A Chinese table tennis equipment firm has delivered a shipment of playing gear to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and signalled further investment in athlete development across Africa, boosting hopes for Nigeria–China invitational events and additional training camps.
Key takeaways
- A table tennis equipment consignment was handed to the NTTF by WKTT/Wang Kai Table Tennis.
- The handover took place during the 2026 WTT Contender Lagos over the weekend.
- WKTT representative Vera Ruijia Zhao said lack of equipment remains a major obstacle for young players in Africa.
- Plans include training camps and tournaments linking Nigerian players with China, framed as part of a China–Africa cultural exchange focus for 2026.
- NTTF president Adesoji Tayo welcomed the support, highlighting the ongoing cost pressures of supplying grassroots programmes in Nigeria.
Donation at WTT Contender Lagos
WKTT representative Vera Ruijia Zhao delivered the presentation at the 2026 WTT Contender Lagos, bringing equipment from China including rubbers, blades, balls and other table tennis essentials sponsored by her company.
Zhao pointed to Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo as examples of African talent that WKTT has backed previously, arguing that continued support is necessary to help emerging players take their first steps in the sport.
She said the donation was prompted by a belief that equipment shortages are the most pressing hurdle facing young players across the continent.
“Many young talents lack equipment. For young players, equipment is essential — without it, they cannot even start playing table tennis,” Zhao said.
From gear to training camps and China–Africa exchange
Zhao added that WKTT’s intentions extend beyond the supply of rackets and balls, with 2026 positioned as a year for China–Africa cultural exchange. She outlined plans to bring Nigerian players to China for training camps and competition opportunities.
“There are over 150 talented players here. If they keep their passion and train well, I hope to bring them to China. They need to see the world, measure themselves against stronger players, and learn what it takes to build brighter careers,” Zhao said.
She also highlighted the standard already appearing among Nigeria’s youngest competitors, noting that some players are as young as 10 and 11 and are already testing themselves against top-level international opposition.
“This is a good signal for the future,” Zhao added.
NTTF calls for ongoing equipment supply
NTTF president Adesoji Tayo welcomed the consignment, saying a dependable flow of equipment has been a long-running financial challenge for grassroots development in Nigeria.
“If we want to move to the next level, we need the right equipment, and it must be replaced consistently — which is difficult because of the cost. This is just the beginning of greater collaborations, including cultural exchanges, training opportunities, and equipment support,” Tayo said.
WKTT’s background
WKTT, short for Wang Kai Table Tennis, is a Harbin-based brand that focuses on high-performance table tennis equipment and coaching. The company has also built an international standing through partnerships with professional players around the world.
