Mati tips Nigeria for glory at ITTF World Team Championships
Nigeria’s rising table tennis star, Taiwo Mati, has declared that the national team is “mentally fit” and ready to challenge the world’s best at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships.
- By Morakinyo Abodunrin
Nigeria’s rising table tennis star, Taiwo Mati, has declared that the national team is "mentally fit" and ready to challenge the world's best at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the 20-year-old Le Havre standout expressed bold confidence in Nigeria's ability to navigate a tricky Group 15 that includes Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and continental rivals South Africa.
The West Africans are looking to banish the ghosts of the 2024 edition in South Korea, where the team suffered a premature exit. This time, Mati—ranked number two in Africa—believes the blend of experience and youth will be the difference-maker.
"I’m positive and looking forward to giving my best. I've been preparing well, playing a lot of matches, and working with my psychologist to ensure I’m in a good state mentally," Mati said.
Central to Nigeria's strategy is the legendary Quadri Aruna. The 37-year-old four-time Olympian remains the backbone of the squad, and Mati was quick to highlight the veteran’s psychological impact on the younger players.
According to Mati, Aruna’s presence provides a massive "motivation boost, adding as the first African to reach an Olympic quarter-final, his tactical guidance would been invaluable.
Aruna will lead a potent lineup including Mati, Olajide Omotayo and the emerging Mathew Kuti.
While Mati acknowledged that Hong Kong (ranked 19th) poses the biggest threat in the group, he insisted they are far from invincible. "I’ve played against their players and had good victories," he noted. "With our current team, the confidence is high."
Tournament at a Glance: London 2026
The 2026 ITTF World Team Championships (centenary edition) will hold between April 28 and May 10 with matches to be played at the Copper Box Arena (Stage 1B) and OVO Arena Wembley (Main Draw).
The 2026 edition marks 100 years since the first-ever World Championships were held in London in 1926. For Mati and Team Nigeria, there would be no better place to make history.
