The 7th edition of the Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament will take place on November 15, 2025, in Abuja, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has announced.
The annual sporting event, organised in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, continues to serve as a platform for deepening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations through sports.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by NUJ FCT Council Chairperson 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 other senior officials.
Comrade Ike applauded the China Cultural Centre for its longstanding collaboration with the NUJ, particularly in the areas of cultural exchange, capacity-building, and support for media events. She also used the opportunity to formally invite Mr. Yang and his team to the NUJ FCT Press Week, scheduled for July 22, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
“We’re proud of this partnership and the many initiatives we’ve carried out together—from table tennis to training opportunities and cultural celebrations. We hope this collaboration continues to flourish,” Ike said.
She appealed for greater access to international training opportunities for Nigerian journalists and increased collaboration between the NUJ and the Chinese Embassy in promoting people-to-people diplomacy.
Responding, Mr. Yang Jianxing reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to fostering cultural and professional exchanges with Nigeria. He said the Table Tennis Tournament has become a symbol of friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of both countries.
Yang also revealed plans for a series of upcoming cultural events including Chinese music and dance performances, Kung Fu demonstrations, and the China–Nigeria Cultural Festival, co-organised with Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
Regarding international exposure for journalists, Yang promised to liaise with the Chinese Embassy to secure training slots in China for NUJ FCT members.
“China and Nigeria are not just friends—we are family. The media plays a vital role in shaping the narratives of our shared future,” he noted.
Since its inception, the Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament has brought together journalists, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and mutual learning.You
