Black Loopers name squad for 2025 West African Regional Championships

Ghana’s national table tennis team, the Black Loopers, have named their provisional squads for the 2025 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) West African Regional Championships in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has unveiled a strong five-man and five-woman lineup, as head coaches David Senyo Ahiaba (men’s team) and Eva Ampah (women’s team) finalise preparations for the tournament, running from 16-19 July at Lagos’ Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall.

The competition also acts as a crucial qualifier for October’s 2025 African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, raising the stakes for Ghana’s top paddlers.

Men’s Team: Experience meets youth

Coach Ahiaba’s selection includes Emmanuel Commey, Israel Aklie, James Marfo, Francis Antwi, and Godwin Alabi, blending seasoned players with rising talent.

Women’s Team: Silver medallists return—but Borteye misses out

The women’s squad features 2024 silver medallists Cynthia Kwabi, Bernice Borquaye, and Celia Baah-Danso, alongside Eva Adom-Amankwaa and Hilda Agbottah.

However, the absence of teenage star Joanita Borteye has raised eyebrows. The 14-year-old, ranked Ghana’s No. 1 and 11th in Africa back in May 2024, was instrumental in last year’s campaign, helping the women’s team reach the finals before losing to Nigeria.

Ghana’s 2024 success & 2025 ambitions

At the 2024 West African Championships, Ghana shone as Borteye and Baah-Danso stormed into the women’s singles semi-finals, while Borquaye reached the quarter-finals.

The women’s team also secured a silver medal—the country’s best performance at the competition.

With Nigeria hosting, Ghana’s squad faces a tough challenge. Can the Black Loopers go one better this time?