Oshodi named first African Director on World Table Tennis Board

In a landmark moment for African sports, Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi has been appointed to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT). The announcement, made during the ITTF Executive Board meeting on March 1, 2026, marks the first time an African has occupied a full directorial seat on the governing body’s commercial arm.

Following a strategic reshuffling of portfolios, ITTF President Petra Sörling and Executive Vice President Oshodi were selected to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board. In a subsequent leadership transition, Sörling was confirmed as Chair, succeeding China’s Liu Guoliang and Qatar’s Khalil Al-Mohannadi.

As the majority owner of WTT, the ITTF is tightening its oversight to ensure the platform delivers sustainable value for its 227 Member Associations. These appointments signal a shift toward more rigorous governance and strategic alignment.

“The ITTF is the foundation, and WTT is our instrument for growth,” stated Petra Sörling. “As Chair, I am committed to ensuring WTT operates with accountability and a long-term vision. We owe it to the players and fans to realize the sport’s full potential.”

Oshodi’s ascent is the result of a career defined by reform. His journey began as President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), where he gained acclaim for prioritizing grassroots talent and transparency.

As the current President of ITTF Africa, Oshodi has been the primary architect of the continent’s modern “table tennis renaissance,” championing coaching standards and creating pathways for African athletes to compete on the world stage.

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Oshodi, known for his pragmatic leadership, emphasized that his focus remains on the structural health of the sport.

“Strong governance gives an organization the structure to grow sustainably,” Oshodi remarked. “I look forward to ensuring we have the solid foundations necessary for WTT’s long-term development.”

Since its inception in 2019, WTT has sought to modernize table tennis through a commercially driven, high-production approach. By bringing an African voice to the boardroom, the ITTF is acknowledging the continent’s growing influence and ensuring that the “future of the game” is truly global.

Oshodi’s appointment is more than a personal accolade; it is a signal that Africa is no longer just a participant in international sports—it is leading the strategy.

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