Nigerians Mathew Kuti and Sultan Agunbiade, along with Putola Tidiane, Adom-Amankwaa Eva, and Coker Naomi are among 17 players awarded wildcards for the upcoming ITTF Africa Championships, Tangier 2026, this October.
Fresh from leading Nigeria’s U-19 boys to the team title and winning the Youth Cup in Accra, Nigerian No.1 Kuti will make his return to the senior continental stage after competing at Tunis 2025.
He will be joined by compatriot Agunbiade, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Accra, finishing runner-up to Kuti in the Youth Cup final.
While Nigeria will not compete in the team events in Tangier, Kuti and Agunbiade will have the opportunity to test themselves against Africa’s senior elite in the singles events.
Sultan, making his senior continental debut, will also share the stage with Nigerian stars Aruna Quadri and Olajide Omotayo, who qualified through the ITTF World Rankings.
Sierra Leone’s Naomi Coker is another exciting addition to the field after making history in Accra by winning a Youth Cup bronze medal — her country’s first continental medal. Chad’s Putola Tidiane will also make a landmark senior appearance, giving Chad its first representation at this level.
Ghanaian veteran Adom-Amankwaa Eva, who impressed during the 2025 ITTF Africa Championships, has also been rewarded with a wildcard. She joins Joanita Borteye and Cynthia Kwabi, who qualified through the ITTF World Rankings, to give Ghana three representatives in the women’s singles.
Egypt’s Gaber Yassin is another name to watch. The teenager announced himself in Accra with an impressive run to the U19 boys’ singles final and will now take the next step with his senior continental debut in Tangier.
The 17 wildcard recipients represent 14 Member Associations, with the selections creating an important pathway for emerging players to transition from youth to senior continental competition.
While also providing opportunities to support national team players, development initiatives and players who may not meet the ranking requirements at the time entries are confirmed.
FULL WILDCARD LIST
MEN
Putola Tidiane — CHA
Idowu Saheed — CGO
Joel Mikael — ERI
Bringaud Andy — GAB
Agunbiade Sultan — NGR
Kuti Mathew — NGR
WOMEN
Tahmi Hadjer — ALG
Batsholeng Stephanie — BOT
Oumar Nassima — DJI
Avomo Joella — GAB
Adom-Amankwaa Eva — GHA
Ayoola Kabirat — NGR
Ojo Favour — NGR
Sezuo Aziza — NGR
Hirwa Chantal — RWA
Tumukunde Hervine — RWA
Coker Naomi — SLE.
