Defending champions Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Dina Meshref of Egypt are set to defend their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa Cup, taking place in Tunisia, from February 25 to 27.
The $25,000 prize money tournament will be held at the El-Menzah Sports Palace, a multi-purpose arena with a 5,500-spectator capacity.
In addition to the prestigious titles, players will compete for qualification spots at the 2025 ITTF World Cup in Macao, China.
The semifinalists in both the men’s and women’s events will secure their places at the expanded ITTF World Cup.
Aruna will face fierce competition from Egypt’s Omar Assar, renewing a long-standing rivalry between two of Africa’s table tennis greats.
Aruna, the most decorated player in the tournament’s history, has won the title five times (2024, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2009).
Assar has also lifted the trophy five times (2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2015), though Aruna has appeared in more finals.
Meshref will defend her crown against strong opposition, including compatriot Hana Goda, Africa’s current No. 1 player, and 2024 runner-up Mariam Alhodaby.
Lotfi Guerfel, President of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF), assured fans of an exciting tournament, with matches set to be live-streamed.
“TTTF is well-prepared to host these significant events in Africa. Our team has gained extensive experience from previous tournaments,” Guerfel said.
Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President of ITTF Africa, added, “The level of table tennis in Africa has grown exponentially over the last few years.”
“This tournament is not only a platform for established players, but also an opportunity for young talents to make a name for themselves.”
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