The highly anticipated 7th edition of the Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament is set to take place on November 15, 2025, at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. The annual event, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in partnership with the China Cultural Centre, continues to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China through sports and shared experiences.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and her executive team to the China Cultural Centre. They were warmly received by Mr. Yang Jianxing, Director of the Centre and Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, alongside senior staff members.
Comrade Ike expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding collaboration between the NUJ FCT and the China Cultural Centre, describing the partnership as a shining example of cultural diplomacy in action. She highlighted the tournament as more than just a sporting event, it is a celebration of unity, friendship, and mutual respect between both nations.
She emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cultural exchange and urged the China Cultural Centre to expand its support for NUJ programs, including workshops, language training, and media engagements. Ike also recalled the Centre’s previous support for NUJ FCT events, such as football competitions, and expressed optimism about future collaborations.
Read also:
- Nigeria defeats China in FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup
- China shocks World with breakthrough Hypersonic Jet Engine that withstands Mach 16 speeds
- China pledges to assist Nigeria tackle cyber crime
During the meeting, Ike extended a formal invitation to Mr. Yang and his team for the NUJ FCT Press Week, scheduled to hold on July 22, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where the China Cultural Centre is expected to be a featured partner. “We would be honored to have your presence as one of our key supporters,” she said, reaffirming the union’s commitment to building stronger cultural bridges.
In his response, Mr. Yang Jianxing reaffirmed the China Cultural Centre’s dedication to promoting cultural synergy between Nigeria and China. He provided a brief overview of the Centre’s offerings, which include a multipurpose hall, library, and Mandarin language classes. Since its establishment in 2013, the Centre has hosted numerous cultural events such as the Spring Festival, International Women’s Day, China Tea Day, and the annual China–Nigeria Cultural Festival in partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
Mr. Yang also revealed that later this year, the Centre will feature a lineup of traditional Chinese performances, including music, dance, Kung Fu exhibitions, and magic shows, further enriching Abuja’s cultural landscape. Confirming that the 7th Table Tennis Tournament will proceed as scheduled in November, he called on the NUJ FCT to maintain its active participation and support, which he praised for contributing to the tournament’s growing success.
Responding to NUJ’s request for international training opportunities, Mr. Yang assured that efforts would be made to secure at least one or two slots for journalists to attend training sessions in China. “I will speak with the Embassy and see how best we can facilitate it,” he promised.
Describing Nigeria and China as “brothers and partners,” Mr. Yang underlined the importance of continuous cultural engagement in strengthening diplomatic ties. As preparations for the tournament gain momentum, expectations are high that this year’s edition will further cement the legacy of cooperation and friendship between the people of Nigeria and China.
