NTTF Blames High Airfares for Missing West African Table Tennis Championship

By Benson Daniel

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has attributed the country’s absence from the 2026 West African Regional Table Tennis Championships to the soaring cost of air travel, describing the situation as a major setback for the development of the sport and Nigeria’s regional sporting ambitions.

The federation said the prohibitive cost of securing flight tickets for players and officials made participation financially unsustainable, forcing the team to withdraw from the championship despite its readiness to compete. According to the NTTF, the decision was reached after careful consideration of the financial implications and available resources.

Officials expressed disappointment over the development, noting that the competition would have provided Nigerian athletes with a valuable opportunity to earn ranking points, gain international exposure and prepare for future continental and global tournaments. They warned that missing such competitions could affect the growth and competitiveness of the country’s players.

The federation also highlighted the broader challenge of rising travel costs, which continue to place significant financial pressure on sports federations operating with limited budgets. It called for increased government support and stronger private sector sponsorship to ensure national teams can honour international commitments without financial constraints.

Sports analysts said Nigeria’s absence from the regional championship is a reminder of the funding challenges confronting many sporting federations. They noted that consistent participation in international competitions is vital for athlete development, talent exposure and maintaining the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations.

Stakeholders have urged relevant authorities to prioritise sustainable funding for sports development, arguing that timely financial support would enable athletes to compete regularly on the international stage and enhance Nigeria’s chances of achieving greater success in global competitions.