Nigeria reinforced its credentials as one of Africa’s leading table tennis nations after three of its rising stars progressed to the quarter-finals of the U-19 Boys’ Singles event at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Sports247 reports that Michael Fabunmi, Agunbiade Sultan, and Kuti Mathew all produced impressive performances in the Round of 16 to remain firmly in contention for continental honours.
Fabunmi delivered a composed display to defeat Tunisia’s Zouitene Bilel 4-1, using his attacking play and consistency to secure a comfortable passage into the last eight.
Agunbiade Sultan was even more dominant, dismantling Algeria’s Abdelhine Merouane in straight sets (4-0) to continue his impressive run at the championship.
Kuti Mathew also underlined his title ambitions with a commanding 4-1 victory over Egypt’s Tawfik Zeyad, ensuring Nigeria maintained a strong representation in the knockout stages.
However, it was the end of the road for another Nigerian hopeful, Atunwon Quadri, who was outclassed 4-0 by Egypt’s ElSayed AbdelMalk. The Egyptian continued his impressive form to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Kuti Mathew.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s Essid Wassim eased past Ghana’s Mensah Michael 4-0, while compatriot Kassem Seifeldin comfortably defeated Chad’s Putola Tidiane in straight sets.
Tunisia’s Essid Amir survived a thrilling seven-set encounter to edge Algeria’s Goudjil Aylan 4-3, while Egypt’s Gaber Yasin also required the full distance before overcoming Tunisia’s Aidli Yousef 4-3.
The quarter-final fixtures promise high-quality contests as Nigeria’s medal hopefuls prepare for difficult assignments.
Kuti Mathew will face Egypt’s ElSayed AbdelMalk, Michael Fabunmi takes on Egypt’s Gaber Yasin, while Agunbiade Sultan is set for another stern challenge against Egypt’s Essid Wassim.
With three players still in the title race, Nigeria has placed itself in a strong position to challenge for the continental crown.
Victory in the quarter-finals would move the trio within touching distance of the podium and further highlight the country’s growing strength in youth table tennis on the African stage.
