Mati Taiwo shines as Team Nigeria dominates U-19 ITTF Africa Tournament

Days after helping Nigeria defeat Egypt in the final of the boys teams tournament, Mati Taiwo was once more the catalyst of a top quality showing from the Nigerians at the ITTF Africa Youth Championship which has ended today.

Mati Taiwo was responsible for winning two games against the Egyptians in the Team Finals but was faced by a different proposition when he came face-to-face with highly-rated Egyptian player Gamal Marwan in the U-19 Boys singles final.

The reigning West African champion showed his class to quickly brush aside his opponent 4-1 and claim the gold medal in the boys U-19 singles category.

Earlier in the day, Taiwo and Samuel Boboye claimed gold in an all-Nigerian U-19 boys doubles match. The duo picked up a 3-2 win over Muiz Adegoke and Kuti Matthew, both of whom were able to secure the silver medal in the event. The Nigerian contingent was able to finish their campaign with six medals; three gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal.