Anderson Bankole Explains Why Nigeria Was Chosen to Host 2027 African Para Championships

Posted : 26 October 2026

Nigeria's growing reputation in international sports and its experience hosting major competitions influenced the decision to award the 2027 African Para Table Tennis Championships to Lagos, according to Anderson Bankole, chairman of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Para Commission. The tournament will bring together para table tennis players from across Africa as they pursue qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

Nigeria secured the hosting rights during the ITTF Africa Annual General Meeting in Tangier, Morocco. The decision marks an important development for Nigerian para table tennis, with the country set to become the first outside North Africa to host the continental championship, according to reports on the successful bid.

Bankole, a retired Commissioner of Police, said delegates trusted Nigeria's ability to deliver a successful international competition. He noted that Egypt had traditionally hosted several continental events, but the 2027 championship would give Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its athletes and welcome competitors from across Africa.

"Delegates at the AGM believe in Nigeria's capacity to host a befitting tournament," Bankole said, explaining the confidence behind the decision.

The hosting rights also provide Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its para table tennis programme. Competing at home could give Nigerian athletes greater familiarity with the environment and support preparations for a tournament that forms part of the qualification pathway to the 2028 Paralympic Games.

According to the ITTF's published qualification information, the 2027 continental qualification events will play a key role in determining places at Los Angeles 2028. The Paralympic table tennis competition is scheduled for August 16 to 26, 2028, and will feature 32 medal events.

Bankole also pointed to Nigeria's performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as a factor in the country's growing standing within the sport. Isau Ogunkunle won bronze in the men's Singles Class 4 event, earning Africa's only medal at those Games.

The achievement has raised the profile of Nigerian para table tennis and could inspire more athletes across the continent to pursue success on the international stage. Hosting the 2027 championship will give Nigeria another opportunity to build on that momentum.

Bankole said the bid received strong backing from delegates at the meeting. He described the support as evidence of confidence in Nigeria's organisational capacity and its contribution to the development of para table tennis across the continent.

He also pledged that Nigeria would work with the ITTF, ITTF Africa, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria to deliver an accessible, safe and well-organised championship.

Bankole acknowledged the support of ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation President Dr Adesoji Tayo, the African Table Tennis Federation Executive Committee and the National Sports Commission.

The 2027 event is expected to attract competitors from several African countries. For Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to develop its para table tennis programme, increase international exposure for its athletes and strengthen preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

Anderson Bankole Explains Why Nigeria Was Chosen to Host 2027 African Para Championships

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