NTTF petitions ITTF over Romania visa refusal for World Youth Championships
Nigeria’s hopes of competing at the 2025 World Youth Table Tennis Championships have been dealt a major blow after its players were denied entry visas to Romania.
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), condemning the decision as discriminatory and damaging to the spirit of global sport.
In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation described the visa refusal as a violation of the principles of inclusivity and fair participation that international competitions are meant to uphold.
‘The reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,’ Tayo stated.
The setback comes after weeks of intensive preparation by Nigeria’s youth teams, who had qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos.
The boys’ U-19 and U-15 squads were set to represent Africa on the world stage, but their absence now threatens to derail the country’s ambitions of nurturing the next generation of elite players.
Beyond the sporting disappointment, the NTTF highlighted financial losses incurred from training camps and travel arrangements. The federation also stressed that it will not accept liability for accommodation or hospitality costs already booked for the tournament, insisting the fault lies outside its control.
Tayo has urged the ITTF to intervene swiftly to prevent similar incidents in the future, warning that the visa denial undermines Nigeria’s long-term efforts to build a pipeline of world-class talent.
