BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
Nigeria has been drawn alongside Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa in Group 15 of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, set to take place in London from April 28 to May 10, 2026.
The draw, held today at The Shard, marked the beginning of a historic celebration of 100 years of the World Championships.
“From London to London, we have come full circle,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“England has hosted the World Championships on seven occasions, but returning to where it all began makes this centenary edition truly special. This event is already historic, but I am confident it will also be unforgettable.”
The Quadri Aruna-led men’s team will face tough opposition from Asian giants Hong Kong, who boast some of the finest young players in the world, as well as Middle Eastern powerhouse Saudi Arabia and continental rivals South Africa.
In the women’s category, Fatimo Bello will captain Nigeria in Group 11, where they will battle against Australia, Uzbekistan, and Wales.
African champions Egypt, led by Omar Assar, received a favourable draw in the men’s event, facing Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Thailand.
Rising star Hana Goda will lead Egypt’s women’s team against Algeria, South Africa, and Syria.
Reigning champions China, winners of the last 11 editions, headline Group 1 alongside host nation England, five-time winners Sweden, and Korea Republic. France, silver medallists at the last edition, will face Japan, Germany, and Chinese Taipei in Group 2 as they bid to lift the Swaythling Cup for the first time.
In the women’s competition, hosts England were drawn in Group 2 with Japan, Germany, and France, while China, 23-time Corbillon Cup winners, lead Group 1 against Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, and Romania.
The draw ceremony was attended by ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling, ITTF Executive Vice President Beatrice Romanescu, World Table Tennis CEO Steve Dainton, Chair of Table Tennis International Events Richard Scruton, Table Tennis England Chair Clare Briegal MBE, Table Tennis England President and World Championship medallist Jill Parker MBE, England men’s athlete and three-time Olympian Paul Drinkhall, ITTF Nominations Committee Chair Sandra Deaton, and UK Sport Deputy Director Esther Britten MBE.
The top eight seeds in each competition will contest Stage 1a at OVO Arena Wembley from May 2–3, with all teams progressing to Stage 2. Group performances will determine seedings for the knockout rounds. Stage 1b will take place at the Copper Box Arena from April 28–May 1, where 56 teams in each competition will battle for the remaining 24 places in the Main Draw.
London 2026 marks 100 years since the first World Championships were held in the city in 1926, making this the most significant edition in the event’s history.