Nigeria's Ayoola and Emelike to Compete in ITTF 2026 Event

Umar Ayoola and Elizabeth Emelike have been selected to participate in the ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge 2026, scheduled for October 12 to 18 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, United Kingdom. This prestigious event will feature 36 of the world's top U-12 players from 26 countries and is jointly organized by the International Table Tennis Federation and Table Tennis England.

Ayoola and Emelike earned their spots after outstanding performances at the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge held in Ghana, where they were recognized among the continent's top prospects. The event serves as a critical stage in the ITTF’s talent identification pathway, offering advanced training from elite coaches and competitive opportunities.

Participants will be assessed not only on match results but also on their technical abilities, training attitudes, and overall development potential. The most exceptional performers will be selected for the Hopes Team, which provides a fast-track opportunity into the ITTF High Performance pathway.