Kuti Mathew, Agunbiade Sultan, 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 U19 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 Sultan 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 youngster Adom-Amankwaa Eva, who impressed during the 2026 ITTF Africa Hopes Week, 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, which has now earned him a place in Tangier and his senior continental debut.

The 17 wildcard is 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.