Quadri Aruna Leads Amiens STT in French League Kickoff

Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna will lead Amiens STT as they start their French Pro B league season against Lille Metropole TT. The match will take place at the Albéric-Labaume Gymnasium on Tuesday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Aruna joined the three-time French champions in May. He sees this as a fresh start, a chance to rebuild his career and help Amiens get back to the top division.

He will lead a team with plenty of international experience. This includes Austria’s Robert Gardos, Portugal’s João Monteiro, South Korea’s Cho Seungmin, and France’s Denis Dorcescu, who is starting his fourth season with the club. Monteiro is a three-time European champion, and Gardos brings valuable experience to the team.

Ranked 80th in the world, Aruna is the highest-rated player on his team. He was once the first African to reach the world’s top 10. Now, he aims to be consistent and move back up the rankings.

“This transfer is about rebuilding form and pushing Amiens toward promotion,” he said, showing his determination to return to top-level competition.

After facing some challenges in recent years, the Nigerian star is ready to bounce back.

“The last two years have been challenging both on and off the table,” he shared.

“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.”

Lille’s team includes Croatian star Andrej Gacina, ranked 50th in the world, along with Ukraine’s Yaroslav Zhmudenko, Iran’s Amir Hodaei, Romania’s Rares Sipos, Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana, France’s Romain Brard, and Hungary’s Marton Szita. This lineup has depth and international talent.

Most Pro B teams are aiming for promotion to the more profitable Pro A. All eyes in France will be on Aruna, who has gained respect for his performance in the top division over the past three seasons.

For Aruna, the spotlight is brighter than ever. His first game with Amiens is not just a league opener; it marks the start of a redemption story that could change his career and inspire young African table tennis stars.