Nigeria has been selected to host the 2027 African Para Table Tennis Championships, marking a significant milestone for the country's sports sector. The championship, which will serve as a qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, was awarded to Nigeria at the recent ITTF Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tangier, Morocco. This achievement reflects the confidence of African table tennis stakeholders in Nigeria's ability to organise a successful international competition.
The Chairman of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Para Commission, Mr. Anderson Bankole, announced the news, highlighting Nigeria's growing standing in para table tennis. Bankole, a retired commissioner of police, noted that the country's performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games had helped strengthen its position within the African sporting community. The 2027 championship will provide Nigerian players with an opportunity to compete on home soil as they seek slots at the global sporting event.
Nigeria is the first country outside North Africa to host the continental championship, with Egypt traditionally hosting several continental competitions. According to Bankole, delegates at the AGM unanimously endorsed Nigeria's bid, demonstrating their confidence in the country's ability to organise a world-class qualifying competition. The championship will give Nigeria the chance to showcase its athletes as the rest of the continent converges on Lagos.
Hosting the championship in Nigeria goes beyond securing the rights, as it also brings economic benefits and social advantages. The influx of international and domestic visitors will drive demand for hotels, restaurants, local attractions, and boost short-term revenues. Additionally, hosting international tournaments will put the host nation in the global spotlight, showcasing its culture, history, and organisational savvy to the international community.
Nigeria's success in securing the hosting rights is a landmark achievement for Nigerian para table tennis and a significant boost to the development of the sport across Africa. Bankole assured the ITTF, ITTF Africa, and the wider para table tennis community that the Federation would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to deliver an excellent and memorable championship that Nigerians would be proud of.
In recent years, Nigerian para athletes have made the country proud, particularly in the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Games. The country's performance in para sports has been a highlight, underscoring the axiom that there is ability in disability. Securing the hosting rights for the 2027 ITTF African Championship also brings to an end Nigeria's inability to attract global or continental tournaments in recent years.
The Nigerian chapter of the ITTF has congratulated itself on securing the hosting rights, and Blueprint.ng joins in, calling on the Federal Government to give the Federation all the backing required to ensure a successful tournament. This will not only guarantee a successful championship but also position Nigeria for future hosting opportunities.
Key points
- Nigeria to host 2027 African Para Table Tennis Championships in Lagos.
- The championship is a qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
- Hosting the championship will bring economic benefits and showcase Nigeria's culture and organisational capabilities.
