By Sports Editor
The men’s teams of Nigeria, Egypt, and Madagascar opened their campaigns at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships with hard-fought victories against Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Mongolia at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Egypt began strongly against Thailand on Tuesday, April 28, but had to dig deep to secure a 3-1 win. Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana emerged as the hero in their thrilling 3-2 triumph over Mongolia, while Nigeria edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 early on Wednesday, April 29, thanks to the brilliance of talisman Quadri Aruna.
For Nigeria, it was a baptism of fire for youngster Matthew Kuti, who lost both his matches against Saudi opposition. However, Aruna and Olajide Omotayo stepped up to ensure Nigeria clinched victory in their opening group match, putting the team in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage. Nigeria next faces top seed Hong Kong on Thursday, April 30, before concluding group play against South Africa on Friday, May 1. The top two teams will progress to the knockout rounds.
Madagascar’s Group 3 clash with Mongolia was a rollercoaster. Rakotoarimanana and Antoine Razafinarivo gave the island nation a 2-0 lead, but Mongolia fought back through Ankhbayar Bilguun and Temuulen Myandal to level the tie at 2-2. With everything on the line, Fabio held his nerve against Manlaijargal Munkh-Ochir, winning three tense deuce games to seal a memorable victory.
In Group 6, Greece overcame a scare against Algeria. Ioannis Sgouropoulos gave Greece the lead with a 3-0 win over Stephane Ouaiche, but Mehdi Bouloussa leveled the tie after edging veteran Panagiotis Gionis 3-2 in a gripping contest. Milhane Jellouli threatened an upset by taking the first game against Georgios Stamatouros, but the Greek responded to win 3-1. Gionis returned in the fourth match to redeem himself, defeating Ouaiche in straight games to secure a 3-1 victory and a solid start for Greece.
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Egypt remains the only African team to record a win in their opening match. Nigeria, Algeria, and Rwanda all suffered defeats, leaving Egypt to carry the continent’s hopes in the early stages.
