As the desk tennis competitors on the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games serves off on Saturday, October 31, 15 of Africa’s brightest younger abilities will be part of the worldwide discipline of 64 gamers on the Dakar Expo Centre in Diamniadio, Senegal, with hopes of constructing historical past for the continent.
Nigeria will look to Matthew Kuti, the reigning African Youth Cup champion, to lead its medal cost. The Lagos-born participant received the U19 boys’ singles title on the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup in Accra, Ghana, and was named ITTF Africa’s Most Improved Player in 2025. Known for his attacking fashion, Kuti has set his sights on two gold medals in Dakar.
On the women’ facet, Nigeria’s Favour Ojo brings beneficial worldwide expertise from the WTT Contender Lagos and ITTF-Africa Championships. The 16-year-old is among the many rising abilities looking for to set up herself on the worldwide stage.
The match marks a historic second as Dakar hosts the first-ever Olympic occasion on African soil. For the seven boys and eight women chosen to signify Africa, the competitors provides a possibility to showcase their abilities in opposition to the world’s finest younger gamers whereas pursuing the continent’s maiden Olympic desk tennis medal.
Selected by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the African contingent includes gamers who’ve distinguished themselves at continental, regional and worldwide competitions. Their performances have raised expectations as they put together to compete within the singles and combined doubles occasions.
Among the boys is Algeria’s Aylan Goudjil, who has demonstrated his potential within the Under-15 class. He received silver within the boys’ doubles with compatriot Bilel Zouitene on the ITTF Africa Youth Championships and within the combined doubles with Jade Morice on the WTT Youth Contender Tunis. He additionally claimed bronze on the WTT Youth Open in Cairo.
With a combination of continental champions, rising prospects and skilled youth opponents, Africa’s representatives arrive in Dakar carrying the hopes of their respective nations and the broader desk tennis group.
Beyond particular person ambitions, the Games supply a major alternative to encourage a brand new era of African gamers and reveal the continent’s rising energy within the sport. As the competitors unfolds, the 15 children will search to flip years of dedication and worldwide expertise into memorable performances.
For Africa, the last word prize is evident: a historic Olympic medal that might mark a brand new chapter within the continent’s desk tennis journey.
