Nigeria wins first Mixed Doubles game at 2025 ITTF World Championships

Nigeria has made a significant step at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, by clinching its first win in the Mixed Doubles event. The pair of Olajide Omotayo and Rabiat Ayoola staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy and Fathy Hend 3-2 in the Round of 64.

The tournament, which commenced on Saturday, May 17, features over 300 athletes from more than 70 member associations competing across five individual events: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. The competition will span nine days in the city of Doha.

Despite a shaky start, losing the first two sets 9-11 and 7-11, Omotayo and Ayoola displayed remarkable resilience. They rallied back to take the next three sets 11-6, 12-10, and 11-7, sealing a hard-fought 3-2 victory and advancing to the second round of the Mixed Doubles category.