Matthew Kuti will lead the Nigerian team to the 2024 ITTF West Africa Regional Championships in Lome, Togo, from April 25 to 27, reports.

A total of 32 men and 29 women from eight West African countries (Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal and hosts Togo) will be competing in four events in the Togolese capital city.

Kuti, a double medallist at the recent 13th African Games in Ghana, is poised to make his mark on his debut at the regional tournament, which serves as qualification for the 2024 African Championships in October in Ethiopia.

Despite being touted as a strong contender for the title in Togo, Kuti faces a tough challenge from former champion Oba Kizito Oba of Ivory Coast and local favorite Fanny Kokou.

In Lome, Kuti will be joined by Nigerian teammates Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Samuel Boboye and Matthew Fabunmi.

The women’s team comprises Hope Udoaka; African Games medallist, Ajoke Ojomu; Kabirat Ayooola, Aisha Rabiu and Ize Sezue.

The team will be under the tutelage of Dotun Omoniyi, who served as assistant to acting coach Segun Toriola during the 13th African Games in Ghana.