It’s Déjà vu in Accra as Nigeria U19 boys’ table tennis team repeats history after defending their International Table Tennis Federation ITTF Africa U19 team title.
Trailing 0-2 early in the final, the Nigerian squad staged a dramatic rally, mirroring their historic 2025 triumph to retain the prestigious continental championship in Ghana.
Kuti Mathew and Atunwon Quadri lost the first two games to GABER Yassin 2-3 and ELSAYED Abdelmalk (03), respectively, as Nigeria went behind 0-2.
Subsequently, the duo bounced back to earn Nigeria the win after AGUNBIADE Sultan put the comeback in motion with a 3- 0 win in the third game.
Deja Vu: ITTF Africa U19 Title
In 2025, Nigeria’s U‑19 boys roared back from 0‑2 down to beat Egypt 3‑2 en route to claiming the team title.
They did it again against the same opponent, same scoreline, same title defended.
In 2025, Quadri Atunwon gave Nigeria life from 0‑2 down against Egypt in the U‑19 semis, inspiring a 3‑2 triumph.
Meanwhile, in a twist of fate, Sultan Agunbiade sparked the comeback in the final, and guess who completed it? Quadri Atunwon again.
What’s in A Table Tennis Legend’s Name?
According to ITTF media(@phatil), Egypt legend and coach Ahmed Saleh admitted he felt fear when he saw the name Quadri on the team sheet; he smelt trouble just like last year.
Furthermore, the Quadri name represents the powerhouse that Aruna Quadri, Nigeria and Africa’s legend, stands for.
ITTF Africa U19 Title: Mathew Kuti Star Power against All Odds
Matthew Kuti nearly missed the U19 Boys’ Team semi-final and final through illness. But when Nigeria needed him most, he answered the call.
Kuti played 3 matches, winning two and losing one, including Player of the Day, to ensure a successful defence of the U19 Boys’ Team title.
