Youth Games: Nigeria Defeats Egypt To Win Table Tennis Gold

Team Nigeria won the gold medal in table tennis at the 4th African Youth Games after defeating Egypt to emerge champions in the mixed team event.

The Nigerian mixed team, represented by Matthew Fabunmi and Ojo Favour, delivered a composed and dominant performance in the final, overcoming Egypt by a convincing 2–0 scoreline to secure the gold medal and confirm Nigeria’s growing strength in youth table tennis.

Nigeria’s journey to the top of the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories.

The team first defeated Tunisia in the quarters to book a place in the semifinals before producing a spirited display to overcome Algeria in a tense and hard-fought semifinal encounter.

The gold medal ceremony added further significance to the achievement, as the Nigerian team was presented with their medals by Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

This triumph against one of Africa’s traditional table tennis giants highlights the promise of Nigeria’s young athletes and reinforces the country’s commitment to excellence at the continental stage.

In a related development, Swimming action will continue on Day 4 of aquatics at the 4th Africa Youth Games at the Piscina do Alvalade pool in Luanda, Angola, with Nigerian athletes set to participate.

Timilehin Olaiya will feature in the final of the boys’ 400 metres individual medley after a strong showing in the earlier rounds.

Meanwhile, Aidan Dumuje Abili qualified for the final of the boys’ 100 metres backstroke but will not compete in the race.

Team officials confirmed that the decision was a tactical one aimed at managing his overall workload and preserving energy for the 50 metres freestyle event scheduled for Tuesday, where expectations are higher and medal chances remain strong.

Aidan earlier in the Games won bronze the 50m boys butterfly with personal best of 25.78.

In the girls’ 100 metres backstroke, Akinsanmi Omolola was withdrawn from the event after sustaining an injury.

The decision to pull her out was taken on medical grounds to safeguard her health and ensure proper recovery, with the team opting not to take unnecessary risks at this stage of the Games.