Africa’s rising table tennis talents illuminated the global stage at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, May 17.

Seventeen-year-old Tunisian prodigy Wassim Essid ignited the tournament with a captivating performance in his opening Men’s Singles clash against Spain’s Juan Perez. In a gripping seven-game thriller, Essid demonstrated remarkable composure and tenacity to clinch a hard-fought 4-3 victory.

Despite conceding the initial game 5-11, the Tunisian national champion rallied with unwavering determination. He engaged in a tense exchange of games with his Spanish adversary, ultimately securing his passage to the second round with an 11-8 triumph in the decisive seventh game, showcasing his tactical prowess and mental fortitude under pressure.

In a display of dominance, Egypt’s phenomenal table tennis star and Africa’s top-ranked female player, Hana Goda, made a commanding start to her campaign.

Facing Australia’s Jiamuwa Wu, the 17-year-old encountered a minor setback in the first game, narrowly losing 10-12. However, Goda swiftly regained control, dictating the match with clinical precision. She stormed through the subsequent four games—11-5, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8—securing a decisive 4-1 victory.

These impressive victories by Essid and Goda serve as a resounding testament to the burgeoning talent pool in African table tennis, firmly establishing Africa’s young stars as formidable contenders on the international scene.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.