Africa’s leading table tennis stars, Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Hana Goda of Egypt, are set to find out their first-round opponents today as the official draw for the 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals takes place in Doha, Qatar.

The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled from May 17 to 25, 2025, and will feature top-ranked players from across the globe competing in five major events: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. All matches will follow a straight knockout format, raising the stakes from the opening round.

Aruna, currently ranked 20th in the men’s singles world rankings, and Goda, placed 27th in the women’s singles, will headline Africa’s representation in Doha. Both athletes have earned global recognition and are viewed as strong contenders capable of delivering major upsets.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has confirmed that player seedings for the championships will be based on the Week 18 World Rankings, released on April 29. These rankings are critical in shaping the tournament draw and can significantly influence each player's route through the competition.

For players and coaches, today’s draw is a pivotal moment. It determines the pathway to the finals and provides a clearer picture of the challenges ahead. For Aruna and Goda, a strategic draw could greatly enhance their chances of advancing deep into the tournament.

With less than three weeks remaining before the action begins, anticipation is growing within the international table tennis community. All eyes now turn to Doha, where the stage is nearly set for one of the sport’s most prestigious events of the year.