Nigeria’s sporting reputation, organisational capacity and Paralympic success helped secure Lagos the right to host the 2027 ITTF Africa Para Championships, Anderson Bankole has said.
Bankole, Chairman of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Para Commission, attributed Nigeria’s successful bid to the confidence African table tennis stakeholders have in the country’s ability to organise world-class international competitions.
Nigeria secured the hosting rights at the ITTF Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tangier, Morocco, becoming the first country outside North Africa to host the continental para table tennis championship.
The 2027 competition in Lagos will serve as a qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, giving Nigerian athletes the opportunity to compete on home soil while welcoming para table tennis players from across Africa.
According to Bankole, a retired Commissioner of Police, delegates endorsed Nigeria’s bid because of the country’s capacity to deliver a successful championship and showcase its athletes to the continent.
“Delegates at the AGM believe in Nigeria’s capacity to host a befitting tournament. Egypt has traditionally hosted several continental competitions, but this championship will give Nigeria the opportunity to showcase its athletes and warmly welcome the rest of Africa to Lagos,” he said.
Egypt is expected to host the 2026 edition before Nigeria takes centre stage in 2027, giving the country an opportunity to strengthen its preparations for the Paralympic qualification campaign.
Paris 2024 Success Boosted Nigeria’s Profile
Bankole said Nigeria’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games further strengthened its standing within the African para table tennis community.
Isau Ogunkunle won bronze in the men’s Singles Class 4 event in Paris, claiming Africa’s only medal at the Games and raising Nigeria’s profile in international para table tennis.
Bankole said the support Nigeria received during the presentation of its hosting bid in Morocco reflected the confidence stakeholders had in the country.
“What stood Nigeria out in Morocco was the overwhelming support the country received when it was presented as the host of the African Para Championships. Many delegates unanimously endorsed Nigeria’s bid, demonstrating their confidence in the country’s ability to organise a world-class qualifying competition,” he said.
He described the hosting rights as a landmark achievement for Nigerian para table tennis and an important opportunity to promote the development of para sports across Africa.
Bankole Promises World-Class Championship
Bankole assured the ITTF, ITTF Africa and the wider para table tennis community that Nigeria would work with relevant stakeholders to deliver an accessible, safe and memorable competition.
“On behalf of the ITTF Africa Para Committee, and in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, I want to assure the ITTF, ITTF Africa and the entire para table tennis family that we will work collectively to deliver a world-class, accessible, safe and memorable championship,” he said.
He added that securing the hosting rights was particularly gratifying because a Nigerian currently leads the ITTF Africa Para Commission.
Bankole also expressed appreciation to ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation President Dr Adesoji Tayo, the ATTF Executive Committee, the National Sports Commission and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria for their support.
The Lagos championship is expected to attract para table tennis players from across the continent, providing African athletes with an important opportunity to compete for qualification places at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
For Nigeria, hosting the event will also provide a platform to showcase its organisational capacity, build on Ogunkunle’s Paralympic achievement and reinforce its commitment to developing para table tennis and supporting athletes with disabilities.
