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Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.....
Tunis, Tunisia – Nigeria’s fast-rising table tennis sensation, Matthew Kuti, turned heads at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis, delivering a string of remarkable performances that reaffirmed his growing status on the international youth circuit.
Kuti, who represented Nigeria in both the U17 and U19 Boys’ Singles categories, displayed composure and competitive fire from the outset. In the U17 event, he advanced confidently through the group stage, earning vital wins with his sharp reflexes and intelligent shot placement. Although his campaign ended in the Round of 16, his strong showing secured him a coveted spot in the U19 main draw, where he went on to make history.
The defining moment of Kuti’s tournament came in the quarterfinals of the U19 Boys’ Singles, when he faced Tunisia’s home favorite Wassim Essid — a familiar rival who had defeated him at a previous African championship. Fueled by determination and precision, Kuti battled through a thrilling five-set encounter to emerge victorious 3–2 (11–9, 8–11, 11–7, 6–11, 12–10). The win, achieved against the backdrop of a passionate Tunisian crowd, highlighted the young Nigerian’s mental strength and growing tactical maturity.
Kuti eventually progressed to the semifinals and went on to secure a silver medal in the U19 Boys’ Singles, capping off what has been described by coaches as one of his most complete international performances to date.
Speaking after the match, Nigerian officials praised his resilience and fighting spirit. “Matthew showed the heart of a champion,” coach Segun Toriola remarked. “Defeating Essid in front of his home fans was no small feat — it shows how far he’s come.”
Alongside Kuti, other Nigerian players including Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Sukurat Aiyelabegan also featured in Tunis, further underlining the country’s growing presence on the WTT youth circuit.
With his performance in Tunis, Matthew Kuti continues to emerge as one of Africa’s brightest young talents — a player whose poise, passion, and persistence are earning him respect on the world stage.
