The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) are organizing a five-day National Hopes Week, a rigorous training and selection program designed to prepare young table tennis players for international competition, Sports247 reports.
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Twenty-five cadet players from across Nigeria are participating in intensive training sessions and competitive matches at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The program aims to select a four-member squad to represent Nigeria at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, also scheduled to take place in Lagos.
The training sessions are led by ITTF-certified coaches, including Coach Ifeoma Isaac, with support from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa.
The focus has been on enhancing the players’ fundamental techniques and tactical awareness.
“We realized that the players lacked footwork and backhand skills. Over the last six days, we have trained them, and we hope such exercises will become regular to ensure consistent progress,” Coach Isaac said.
Coach Ganiyu Kadiri praised the participants’ commitment, highlighting their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. “We believe that with continuous training, our players can compete at the international level,” he stated.
The young athletes expressed gratitude to NTTF and ITTF Africa for the opportunity, describing the program as a crucial step in their development and future success in the sport.
The final squad of four players is expected to be announced on April 7, as Nigeria prepares to present a competitive team at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge.
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