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Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.....
Editor: Olalekan Okusan:
BETWEEN them, Nigeria’s Segun Toriola and Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh boast five ITTF-Africa Championships titles, Saleh with three (2000,2007, 2010) and Toriola with two (1998, 2002). Both legends have also finished as runners-up twice: Toriola in 1992 and 1994, and Saleh in 2015 and 2018.
Now, at the 2025 edition in Tunis, the two icons have transitioned from competitors to mentors, serving as
national team coaches and guiding a new generation of African table tennis talent. Toriola fondly re-called his first appearance at the continental championships in 1992, following a standout performance at the 1991 African Games in Cairo. “I remember it clearly, it was after the 1991 African Games that I made my debut at the African Championships. Back then, every country had top-quality players, and the competition was fierce,” he said.
The former four-time African Games champion described his playing days as unforgettable and admitted that coaching now comes with its own emotional challenges. “It’s not easy being a coach, especially when you’re watching your player face someone you know you could beat, even at my age. Sometimes I feel like jumping back into action, but age won’t allow that,” he added with a smile.
Saleh, like Toriola, sees coaching as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. In addition to leading Egypt’s senior team, he has played a pivotal role in developing the junior squad.“When I was a player, I always dreamed of becoming a coach, to pass on my experience and knowledge. Now, being with the senior national team allows me to live that
dream and help shape the future of Egyptian table tennis,” he said.
Saleh’s first appearance at the continental tournament came in 1994 in the doubles event, but his break-through arrived in 2000 when he clinched his first Men’s Singles title. Reflecting on how the game has evolved, he noted, “Back in our day, rivalries were intense, and we played cautiously, waiting for the right moment to launch an attack. Today’s players are aggressive from the first ball, and the tactics have changed. I’m still adapting to this new style.”Coaching along-side his long-time rival in Tunis, Saleh described the experience as both memorable
and meaningful. “It’s special to be here with Toriola. For the young players, it’s a unique opportunity to learn from two people who’ve lived the game at the highest level.”
