Nigeria will have another shot at qualifying for the team event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) confirmed the West African team alongside 39 others for the 2024 World Team Championships taking place in Busan, South Korea.

The Quadri Aruna-captained side lost the continental sole ticket to Egypt at the 2023 African Championships in Tunis, and they will be aiming to pick the ticket to Paris when the 2024 World Championships take place at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO) from February 16 to 25, 2024.

Nigeria’s last appearance in the team event of the Olympic Games was at Rio 2016 while Egypt represented Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games despite efforts by Nigeria to qualify through the world qualifiers held in Portugal in 2019.

According to ITTF, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Madagascar are Africa’s representatives in the men’s event while Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Mauritius will fly the continent’s flag in the women’s category.

The unveiling of the participating teams coincides with the 100-day countdown to the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 while the staging of the tournament marks Korea Republic’s first-ever hosting of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, a long-awaited milestone that promises a unique experience for fans and a chance to celebrate Korea Republic’s place in table tennis history. 

The 2024 ITTF World Championships will also serve as a qualifier event for Paris 2024, adding an extra layer of significance to this prestigious competition. 

“Busan 2024 marks a truly remarkable moment as the Korean Republic steps into the spotlight, hosting its inaugural ITTF World Championships Finals. With the Korean Republic’s enduring legacy in the sport, we have full faith in the Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA) to deliver an exceptional event that not only showcases top-tier competition but also a sustainable approach and mindset in the delivery of the event as well as the warm hospitality of Busan. With the city’s rich culture and dynamic energy, we are confident that this championship will be an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike,” said Petra Sörling, ITTF President

“Congratulations to the Busan 2024 Organising Committee and BNK Busan Bank for what will undoubtedly be a fruitful partnership. This highlights the global appeal and immense value that the World Championships bring to our esteemed partners. We eagerly anticipate a successful event that not only captivates table tennis enthusiasts but also contributes to the growth of the table tennis market in the Korea Republic,” added Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO.

Assuring the readiness of South Korea to stage a befitting tournament, Ryu Seung-min, President of the Korean Table Tennis Association, Co-President of the Busan 2024 Organising Committee, ITTF Executive Board Member, and, IOC Member said: “The Organising Committee is all prepared for Busan 2024 ITTF World Team Championships Finals. For the remaining 100 days, the LOC will just fine-tune all aspects for the perfect and successful hosting of our event.”

Also, Park Hyeongjoon, Mayor of Busan and Co-President of the Busan 2024 Organising Committee said: “Busan puts the utmost effort into preparing and supporting that ITTF World Team Table Championships Finals Busan 2024 presented by BNK will be the most electrifying and shining moment in the history of table tennis in Korea.”