Nigeria Earns Podium Finish in Men’s Doubles

The Lagos crowd erupted as Taiwo Mati and Matthew Kuti advanced to the semifinals of the Men’s Doubles at the WTT Contender Lagos.

Their run echoes the 2024 campaign, when Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke reached the final before losing to India’s Manav Thakkar and Harmeet Desai. Now Mati and Kuti carry the torch, intent on making a lasting impact.

In the first round, the pair defeated their Ghanaian opponents with ease, setting a confident tone for the event.

The quarterfinal presented a more emotional test: a match against fellow Nigerians David Fayele and Amidu Lawal. Mati and Kuti held their nerve, overcoming the compatriots to secure a spot in the last four.

In the semifinals, they face India’s Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah. Although the challenge is steep, a podium finish is guaranteed regardless of Saturday’s outcome. For the host nation, this result could be its sole medal at the championship, earned through resilience and teamwork.

In a city where table tennis passion runs deep, Mati and Kuti’s success is more than a semifinal berth. It reaffirms Nigeria’s enduring doubles tradition and the country’s ability to rise when the spotlight shines brightest.

Meanwhile, Frenchman Leo De Nodrest, who first appeared in Lagos in 2025, had been relatively unknown. By the end of that tournament, he had carved his name into the event’s history, advancing from the qualifiers to the semifinals before falling to eventual champion Anders Lind in the Men’s Singles.

That breakthrough marked the start of his ascent, transforming him into one of France’s most spirited players—a lion‑hearted figure on the international stage.

Recognizing Lagos as the birthplace of his resurgence, De Nodrest returned this year with renewed ambition. Unlike his debut, he entered directly into the main draw as a top seed. In his opening match, he dispatched India’s Sanil Shetty in straight sets, 3–0, advancing confidently to the second round.

However, on Friday, May 22, his Lagos campaign ended abruptly. Facing Korea Republic’s Oh Junsung, De Nodrest struggled to find his rhythm and lost 3–1, cutting his run short.

For the player once celebrated in Lagos, the exit was disappointing—a reminder that even fairytales can contain moments of heartbreak.