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Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.....
The Molade Okoya‑Thomas Hall in Lagos witnessed a festival of youth table tennis talent as the 2025 ITTF African Youth Cup concluded with thrilling finals across U‑19 and U‑15 singles events. Young athletes from Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Uganda produced championship‑level performances, culminating in historic victories and continental breakthroughs.
U‑19 Finals: Tunisian Brilliance and Egyptian Dominance
In the U‑19 Boys’ Singles, Wassim Essid (Tunisia) delivered a masterclass, defeating home favorite Muizz Adegoke (Nigeria) 4‑0 (11‑3, 11‑8, 11‑6, 11‑7). Essid’s powerful forehand and controlled pace silenced the local crowd, confirming his status as a leading prospect in African table tennis.
The U‑19 Girls’ Singles saw an all‑Egyptian final, where Mariam Younes overpowered Nour Zaki in straight games 4‑0 (11‑7, 11‑8, 11‑4, 14‑12). Younes’s mix of precision and composure earned Egypt another continental title, continuing their tradition of producing elite women’s players.
U‑15 Finals: Uganda Makes History, Algeria Grabs Glory
The U‑15 Boys’ Singles final etched Uganda into African table tennis history. Joseph Sebatindira became Uganda’s first‑ever continental singles champion, beating compatriot Sharif Nsereko 3‑0 (11‑7, 11‑8, 11‑5). His victory was a proud moment for East Africa, signaling the nation’s rising potential in the sport.
In the U‑15 Girls’ Singles, Tania Morice (Algeria) battled past Jemimah Nakawala (Uganda) in a dramatic 3‑2 thriller to secure gold. The nail‑biting decider showcased the growing depth of North African talent in youth table tennis.
Full List of Champions and Runners‑Up
| Event | Winner | Country | Runner‑Up | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U‑19 Boys’ Singles | Wassim Essid | TUN | Muizz Adegoke | NGR | 4‑0 (11‑3, 11‑8, 11‑6, 11‑7) |
| U‑19 Girls’ Singles | Mariam Younes | EGY | Nour Zaki | EGY | 4‑0 (11‑7, 11‑8, 11‑4, 14‑12) |
| U‑15 Boys’ Singles | Joseph Sebatindira | UGA | Sharif Nsereko | UGA | 3‑0 (11‑7, 11‑8, 11‑5) |
| U‑15 Girls’ Singles | Tania Morice | ALG | Jemimah Nakawala | UGA | 3‑2 (5-11,7-11,11-7,11-2,11- |
As the curtains closed on the ITTF African Youth Cup—held over 5–6 August 2025—the spotlight shone brightest on Joseph Sebatindira, whose U‑15 singles win not only garnered history but hinted at what the future holds for African table tennis.
Although detailed results for every final event (like U‑15 Girls or U‑19 singles) haven’t been individually reported, the broad stories of dominance, breakthrough, and promise echo across the competition.
A Landmark for African Youth Table Tennis
As the curtains closed on the ITTF African Youth Cup—held over 5–6 August 2025—the spotlight shone brightest on Joseph Sebatindira, whose U‑15 singles win not only garnered history celebrated its first‑ever continental singles title but hinted at what the future holds for African table tennis.
Although detailed results for every final event (like U‑15 Girls or U‑19 singles) haven’t been individually reported, the broad stories of dominance, breakthrough, and promise echo across the competition.
As the tournament concluded, the African Table Tennis Federation hailed the event as a milestone in nurturing future continental and global champions. With these young athletes now firmly on the international radar, African table tennis looks set for a bright future.
