As the countdown begins for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos taking place from July 22 to 26, the stage is set for a spectacular showdown in Nigeria’s bustling table tennis capital. Organizers have announced six wildcard entries that promise to elevate the already high-octane atmosphere at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Among the headline acts is French teenage sensation Rémi Betelu, who continues his rapid rise in the sport after a semifinal run at the 2025 WTT Feeder Havirov.
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The defensive maestro is set to thrill fans with his unorthodox style and will be looking to cause major upsets in the Men’s Singles draw.
In the Women’s Singles, all eyes will be on Kim Nayeong of South Korea, a familiar face to Lagos fans after her impressive semifinal finish in last year’s edition. The 19-year-old returns with one goal in mind — winning her maiden WTT Series title.
The wildcard pool also features Portugal’s Fu Yu, renowned for her explosive penhold technique, and Nigeria’s Aminat Fashola, who will be banking on the energy of the home crowd to inspire a deep run on home soil.
Nigeria’s male stars are not left out, as Samuel Boboye and Taiwo Mati have been handed Host Wildcards. With Lagos behind them, both players aim to make a statement on the international stage. Joining them is France’s Romain Ruiz, a flair-filled player whose signature flick shots have dazzled on multiple WTT stages.
This mix of youth, experience, and international flair adds even more firepower to an event already brimming with global talent. With Lagos cementing its status as Africa’s table tennis hub, the 2025 edition of the WTT Contender is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and entertaining yet
