Aruna Vows To Return To Global Reckoning

Nigeria’s table tennis star Quadri Aruna has vowed to fight his way back to the top of the international game after enduring a difficult period marked by disappointing results and personal challenges.

The 38-year-old, who is currently ranked 81st in the world, has struggled for consistency over the past two years. Since September 2024, he has played 46 competitive matches across the World Table Tennis Series and World Championships, winning only 15.

Despite the setbacks, the former African champion remains determined to revive his career and return to the upper levels of the world rankings.

Aruna has joined French second-division club Amiens Sport Tennis de Table, a move he views as an important step in his attempt to regain his form. The club is targeting promotion and will feature several experienced players alongside the Nigerian.

“The last two years have been challenging both on and off the table,” Aruna said, while expressing his determination to continue working towards a return to the top.

He added that reclaiming his position would require patience, hard work and a willingness to endure the difficulties involved in rebuilding his career.

Aruna remains the only African player to have reached the world’s top 10 in men’s singles. His current ranking, however, represents a significant decline from the heights he previously achieved.

The Nigerian has also slipped to fourth in Africa this year, although he remains captain of the national men’s team and continues to play an important role in the country’s international campaigns.

Earlier in 2026, Aruna demonstrated his fighting spirit by helping Nigeria secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Centenary ITTF World Team Championships in London.

His most recent tournament appearance came at the United States Smash in Los Angeles in July, where he received a wildcard but lost to Sweden’s Truls Möregårdh in the round of 64.

Aruna will now look to use his new club environment and upcoming international assignments to rebuild his confidence and rankings as he targets a return to global prominence.