The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has formally submitted a petition to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) following the denial of entry visas for its athletes to compete at the 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania.
Nigeria earned qualification for the prestigious ITTF event after its boys’ U-19 team triumphed at the 2025 African Youth Championships held in Lagos in July. The U-19 squad, comprising Matthew Kuti, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Muiz Adegoke, and Matthew Fabunmi, was set to represent the nation alongside the U-15 team featuring Tobi Adebakin, Usman Ayoola, and Atuwon Quadri.
The unexpected visa refusal has raised alarm within Nigeria’s table tennis community, jeopardizing the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prominent youth competitions. In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation strongly criticized the decision, labeling it a breach of international sportsmanship and the principles of inclusivity and fair play championed by the ITTF.
“As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo said.
The setback comes after weeks of rigorous preparation by players and coaching staff, dampening the morale of the contingent and resulting in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria had qualified as continental champions and was set to showcase African talent in both the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events at the World Youth Championships.
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