The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation has petitioned the International Table Tennis Federation after its players were denied visas for the World Youth Championships in Romania.

The refusal has alarmed Nigeria’s table tennis community, with officials warning on Wednesday it threatens the country’s place in a major global youth competition.

NTTF president, Adesoji Tayo, condemned the decision, calling it “a violation of international sportsmanship, inclusivity and fair participation”.

He said the reasons given for the denial were “unjust, discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sport should foster”.

He noted that weeks of intensive preparation had been wasted, with the setback dampening morale and causing financial losses for the federation.

Nigeria had qualified to represent Africa in the boys’ under-19 and under-15 team events after winning titles at the African Youth Championships.

Mr Tayo said the NTTF “will not be responsible for any penalties or costs” linked to accommodation or hospitality bookings following the team’s forced withdrawal.

He urged the ITTF to intervene urgently, warning that the incident had disrupted Nigeria’s plans to develop another generation of world-class players.

(NAN)