Nigeria’s participation at the 2025 ITTF World Youth Championships in Romania was thrown into disarray after the country’s youth table tennis team was denied entry visas, forcing their withdrawal from the global tournament scheduled for November 23–30.
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has now filed a formal petition to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), condemning the decision as unjust and damaging to the development of Africa’s rising talents.
“Unjust, discriminatory” – NTTF Condemns Visa Refusal
In a strongly worded letter signed by NTTF President, Adesoji Tayo, Nigeria described the visa denial as a violation of international sporting principles.
Tayo wrote with deep frustration, lamenting:
“As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster.”
He added that the players had undergone weeks of intensive training, only to be denied an opportunity they had legitimately earned on the field of play.
The NTTF emphasized that Nigeria would not bear any financial penalties related to accommodation or reservations for the event, noting:
“Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.”
Nigeria Earned Qualification as African Champions
The visa rejection is particularly painful given the significance of the team’s achievement earlier this year.
Nigeria qualified as continental champions, winning the U15 and U19 boys’ team titles at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Youth Championships in Lagos.
The squad was led by reigning West African champion Kuti Matthew, whose performances helped secure Nigeria’s automatic slot at the World Championships.
The federation viewed Romania 2025 as a crucial platform to showcase the nation’s growing dominance in youth table tennis.
But the visa denial has not only dashed competitive hopes, it has robbed the athletes of irreplaceable international exposure.
Egypt and Tunisia Replace Nigeria as Africa’s Representatives
Following the visa refusal, tournament organizers moved swiftly to replace Nigeria.
This development means Africa’s brightest youth talents from Nigeria will watch from home as the global competition begins without them.
This is because, despite submitting all required documentation, the Nigerian contingent’s applications were rejected, raising questions about fairness and transparency in athlete visa processes.
NTTF President Tayo has urged the ITTF to intervene urgently to prevent similar occurrences in the future and to uphold the principles of equal opportunity in global sport.
The NTTF insists it will continue to press the ITTF for answers, while reinforcing preparations for future tournaments.
