Team Nigeria has secured at least one medal in the U-15 Boys’ Singles event at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Accra, Ghana, after Joshua Samson and Umar Ayoola advanced to the semi-finals with commanding quarter-final victories.
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Sports247 reports that the Nigerian duo produced outstanding performances to keep the country’s title hopes alive, while also guaranteeing a place in the championship final.
Samson was in imperious form as he swept aside Uganda’s Joseph Sebatindira 3-0, displaying his attacking quality and composure to book a place in the last four without dropping a set.
Ayoola Umar also impressed, overcoming one of the tournament favourites, Egypt’s Ahmed Elsabbagh, 3-1 in a confident performance that underlined his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects.
With both Nigerians progressing, the semi-finals will feature an all-Nigerian showdown between Samson and Ayoola, ensuring the country is guaranteed at least a silver medal and a place in the final.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s Sameh Asser defeated Benin’s AbdouRahaman G. 3-1 to secure his semi-final berth, while Tunisia’s Amori Amne battled to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt’s Muhammad Kosba in one of the most competitive matches of the quarter-finals.
The second semi-final will see Amori Amne take on Sameh Asser, with the winner earning the right to face either Samson or Ayoola in the championship final.
Nigeria’s dominance in the U-15 Boys’ Singles has been one of the highlights of the tournament, reflecting the country’s continued investment in youth table tennis development. With two players occupying one side of the draw, the nation is now assured of a finalist and remains firmly on course to challenge for the continental title.
As the championship reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the eagerly anticipated all-Nigerian semi-final, where friendship will be put aside in pursuit of a place in the final and the opportunity to be crowned Africa’s U-15 Boys’ Singles champion.
