Lagos Hosts WTT Contender: $100K Prize, Olympic Points at Stake

The Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium is buzzing with excitement as Lagos proudly hosts the third edition of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender, a prestigious global tournament featuring over 130 elite players battling for a $100,000 prize purse and crucial Olympic ranking points.

Event Director, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, highlighted the remarkable journey of the competition, tracing its roots back to 2013 when it began as the Lagos International Table Tennis Classic under the sponsorship of the Lagos State Government.

Over the years, the tournament evolved into the ITTF Nigeria Open, later the ITTF Challenger Series, and now stands as one of only two WTT Contender events in Africa.

‘For 13 years, we have not missed a single edition. This consistency has transformed Nigerian table tennis, giving our players exposure to the world’s best,’ he said.

This year’s edition is the most competitive yet, with five top-20 players and 30 of the world’s top-100 ranked stars in action. The stakes are high, as the event offers ranking points toward qualification for the 2028 Olympics and next year’s World Championships in Kazakhstan.

Dr. Ade Taiwo, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of the event for local talent.

‘Our players have the talent, but they need opportunities to sharpen their skills against the world’s elite. Hosting the WTT Contender is about giving Nigerian and African players that chance,’ he stated.

Representing the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Oluwasanmi Oriyomi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sports excellence and hospitality.

‘We are honoured to welcome the global table tennis community once again. Lagos, as Nigeria’s cultural and economic powerhouse, will continue to provide a platform for world-class competition and tourism,’ he said.