Nigeria’s table tennis star Quadri Aruna says he is ready to fight his way back to the top. He has faced several disappointments in international competitions and personal issues over the last two years, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Since September 2024, the 38-year-old has played 46 competitive matches in the WTT Series and World Championships. He has only won 15 of these matches.
The former African champion has signed with Amiens Sport Tennis de Table in the second division of the French Table Tennis League. He sees this move as a step forward for his career.
“The last two years have been challenging both on and off the table,” he admitted. “But I am determined to regain my spot on the global ladder. I am a fighter, and I am ready to endure the rigours of returning to form. Nothing comes easy in life, and I am willing to go through the process to reclaim my place in the rankings.”
Aruna is the only African to have ever been ranked in the world’s top 10. His signing is viewed as a big boost for Amiens as they aim for promotion. He will join experienced players like Austrian legend Robert Gardos, Portugal’s João Monteiro, South Korea’s Cho Seung-min, and Frenchman Denis Dorcescu. Their season starts at home against Lille Métropole on September 22.
Currently ranked No. 81 in the world, Aruna has had a tough year, even dropping to fourth in Africa for a while. Still, he continues to lead the Nigerian men’s national team as they prepare for their trip to Morocco next month.
Earlier in 2026, he showed his strength by leading Nigeria to a dramatic 3, 2 win over Saudi Arabia at the Centenary ITTF World Team Championships in London.
His last competition was in early July at the United States Smash 2026 in Los Angeles. He played in the men’s singles after receiving a wildcard entry but lost in the round of 64 to Sweden’s Truls Möregårdh.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇