Editor
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), Sultan Agunbiade cuts the figure of a young athlete who could easily have made a name for himself on the basketball court.
However, the 18-year-old has chosen a different path, defying expectations by dedicating himself to table tennis, a sport in which he is rapidly emerging as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects.
Agunbiade’s remarkable rise has earned him a wildcard invitation to join Nigeria’s contingent for the 2026 ITTF Africa Championships in Tangier, Morocco.
The tournament will mark his maiden appearance at a senior continental championship, and the reigning runner-up of the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup is relishing the opportunity to compete against Africa’s finest players.
Widely regarded as “Mr Consistency” due to his steady progression over the last two years, Agunbiade has continued to impress on the international stage. His growing reputation was further enhanced at the 2026 WTT Contender Lagos, where he emerged as Nigeria’s last man standing in the Men’s Singles event. He battled his way to the round of 16 before bowing to the experience of India’s Manush Shah.
The talented youngster also enjoyed a memorable campaign at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Accra, Ghana. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph over Egypt in the Under-19 Boys’ Team final. One of the standout moments of his tournament came in the U-19 boys singles semi-finals, where he defeated two-time African Youth champion Wassim Essid of Tunisia. The victory propelled him into the final, where he eventually lost to compatriot Matthew Kuti. Nevertheless, his outstanding performances throughout the competition were enough to secure him a coveted wildcard ticket to the senior continental championships in Morocco.
Agunbiade’s sporting pedigree is no surprise. He comes from a distinguished table tennis family and is following in the footsteps of his father, Tajudeen Agunbiade, a celebrated two-time Paralympic gold medallist. Inspired by the achievements of those before him, the youngster has set his sights on reaching the highest level of the sport.
Among his greatest inspirations is Nigerian table tennis legend Quadri Aruna, whom he admires not only for his achievements but also for his humility and generosity.
“I look up to Aruna, and having the opportunity to play alongside him is a rare privilege that I do not take for granted,” Agunbiade said. “He has supported me immensely through the Aruna Sports Shop by providing equipment, and he constantly motivates me through our online conversations. He is my role model, and I hope to achieve what he has accomplished and even surpass his records on the world stage.”
Despite his youth, Agunbiade is not intimidated by the challenge that awaits him in Tangier. He believes table tennis is a sport where determination, preparation, and confidence can overcome rankings and reputations.
“In table tennis, anything can happen when you are at your best,” he said. “My goal is to be at my very best in Morocco and make my presence felt, even though it will be my first senior continental tournament.”
Beyond the table, Agunbiade remains firmly focused on securing his future through education. He recently gained admission to the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), where he will study Tourism. Determined to excel both academically and athletically, he sees education as an important complement to his sporting ambitions and a foundation for life beyond competitive table tennis.
With his talent, determination, and strong support system, the young Agunbiade continues to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young table tennis stars. As he prepares to make his senior continental debut in Morocco, many believe the towering teenager is only beginning a journey that could see him become the country’s next global ambassador for the sport.
