Leading table tennis nations, including Japan, Korea Republic, Germany and France, will compete at the 2026 WTT Contender Lagos, beginning May 19.
The six-day tournament will end on May 24 at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, inside Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Lagos hosts one of 10 tournaments on the 2026 WTT Contender Series calendar.
The event has gained global recognition for its lively atmosphere, colourful organisation and strong fan support.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Adesoji Tayo, speaking on Sunday in Lagos, described the tournament as a major sporting attraction.
Tayo said that Lagos had become a showcase for elite table tennis across Africa.
“We are happy to host this important event showcasing top-level table tennis in Africa and other regions.
“It also shows that Nigeria is becoming more important in world sports,” he said.
Tayo said the competition followed the centenary anniversary of table tennis in London.
“Lagos is proud to welcome athletes eager to compete with passion and precision,” he added.
He said the city was fully prepared to deliver energy, culture and quality competition.
Tayo noted that WTT Contender Lagos remained one of the most admired events on the global calendar.
“It keeps improving in organisation and hospitality, giving players and fans a special experience,” he said.
He said former champions and top-ranked players would return for this year’s competition.
According to him, their participation would further strengthen the tournament’s global reputation.
The WTT Contender Series provides pathways from grassroots development to elite competitions like WTT Champions.
It also offers players opportunities to earn valuable ITTF World Ranking points.
The tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles events with 32 players each.
Men’s and women’s doubles events will feature 16 pairs in each category. Mixed doubles will also be contested, featuring eight pairs in the main draw.
Players from Denmark, the United States, India, Portugal, Romania, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Belgium, Canada and Togo. are expected in Lagos.
Other competitors from Netherlands, Ghana, Wales, Egypt, Italy, Chile and Slovenia will also participate.
Host nation, Nigeria, will compete alongside others for the 100,000-dollar prize purse.
Organisers said interest in the Lagos tournament continued to rise annually.
They noted that players were drawn by the atmosphere and renowned Nigerian hospitality.