Lagos: The Nigerian duo of Abdulfatai Abdulbasit and Mathew Kuti clinched gold in the U19 boys’ doubles final at the ITTF 2025 Africa Youth Championship, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Nigerian team emerged victorious against Tunisia’s Essid Wassim and Khaloufi Mohamed with a score of 3-1 (12-10, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10). This win underscores the skill and teamwork of Abdulfatai and Kuti as they outperformed their Tunisian counterparts in a closely fought match.
The Tunisian duo of Essid and Khaloufi made a commendable effort but could not surpass the Nigerians’ strategic play. This victory is a significant milestone for Nigerian table tennis, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in the sport.
The ongoing eight-day tournament features top young players from across the continent, offering a stage for emerging talent. Nigeria’s table tennis team has shown strong performance, with the victory of Abdulfatai and Kuti contributing to the country’s medal tally.
In other matches, Egypt’s Abdelshakour Malak and Zaki Nour secured a win against Uganda’s Nakawala Jemimah and Nangonzi Judith with a 3-0 score (11-8, 11-3, 11-8).
Kuti expressed gratitude, stating that the win is a testament to their dedication and hard work. He acknowledged the support from coaches, family, and friends, emphasizing their role throughout the journey. Kuti also mentioned that this achievement is expected to inspire young table tennis players across Nigeria and committed to continuing their efforts to excel in the sport.