Nigeria’s table tennis youngster Matthew Kuti revived his hopes of reaching the men’s singles knockout stage at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after recording his first victory in the group phase, while compatriot Favour Ojo bowed out following her second consecutive defeat.
Kuti, Nigeria’s deputy captain and reigning African Youth Cup champion, bounced back from an opening-day setback to defeat Tunisia’s Youssef Aidli 3-1 (11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7), keeping his qualification hopes alive ahead of Monday’s decisive encounter against Italy’s Francesco Travesan.
The Nigerian had endured a difficult introduction to the competition at the Dakar Expo Centre, losing 3-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-3) to Hong Kong’s Li Ki Ho in his opening Group C fixture.
However, he responded positively against Aidli, displaying greater composure and attacking quality to secure a crucial victory that leaves him needing another strong performance to book his place in the knockout rounds.
Kuti is competing in Group C alongside Li, Aidli and Travesan, with the top two players advancing to the next stage of the men’s singles competition.
His encounter with Travesan on Monday, November 2, therefore represents a crucial test, with the Nigerian aiming to complete his group campaign with a victory and secure progression.
Speaking ahead of the decisive fixture, Kuti acknowledged the intensity of the competition but expressed confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion.
“It has not been easy for us here in Dakar because everybody is at their best and we are all aiming for the knockout stage. I hope I can raise my game against the Italian,” said the 2026 African Youth Cup champion.
Meanwhile, Ojo’s campaign came to an end after she suffered a 3-1 defeat to Egypt’s Yara Elbadawy in her second group-stage match.
The Nigerian had already faced disappointment in the mixed doubles round of 16, where she partnered Kuti before they were eliminated by their Thai opponents on Saturday, October 31.
Her defeat to Elbadawy confirmed her exit from the women’s singles competition, leaving Kuti as Nigeria’s remaining hope in the table tennis singles events.
With the group-stage campaign approaching its conclusion, attention will now turn to Kuti’s crucial showdown with Travesan as the Nigerian seeks to keep his Dakar 2026 medal ambitions alive.
