Table Tennis
ITTF HAILS ARUNA QUADRI’S FIGHTING-SPIRIT AT BULGARIA OPEN
He may not often challenge for titles on the ITTF World Tour, but Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has distinguished himself by being ranked inside top 25 male table tennis players in the world.
Born and raised in Oyo, South-western Nigeria, Aruna moved to Lagos in the early 2000s after unexpectedly capturing the country’s cadet title at the turn of the century.
Widely regarded as Africa’s best player of the last decade, the highly popular two-time Olympian is a man who understands that hanging in there and biding his time can pay off in big ways. Small defeats today can reform themselves, contributing to big victories tomorrow.
The philosophy came in handy this week in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria, where the 31-year-old beat Japanese superstar Jun Mizutani in seven games (8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 4-11, 13-11) to reach the men’s singles semi-finals at the Bulgaria Open for the second time in three years, notching his best result on the 2019 ITTF World Tour along the way.
There were several moments in the match where things might not have gone Aruna’s way, but the player known for his incredible comebacks stood and simply refused to be defeated. Returning from match point in game seven, he evened the score at 10-all and capitalised on his opportunity, battling back from match point a second time to eventually win the game 13-11 and thus bring an end to an unforgettable contest.
Never say die might have been his prevailing attitude at the table, but when Aruna arrived in the mountain town of Panagyurishte, 90 kilometers east of Sofia, other things were on his mind.
Exhausted by his efforts earlier this month at the ITTF Africa Cup and ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open (Aruna went on to win the latter), the prospect of playing in Bulgaria seemed like a vacation.
“I’m very tired after playing 11 days in Lagos non-stop. I said I should just come to Panagyurishte since I’m in the main draw only to enjoy myself.” Quadri Aruna, 11th August 2019
Having made up his mind to have a good time just after celebrating his 31st birthday on 9th August, enjoy himself is what Aruna did, and it was the others who suffered:
First up was China’s Ma Te, who was defeated in seven games.
“It’s difficult for everyone [playing against him]. I spoke with my colleagues that have faced him before and their advice allowed me to manage this match and win it. I have not played him before but those who did told me about the spin in his racket that I was able to play a little bit against him.” Quadri Aruna, 15th August 2019
Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong was the next victim, suffering the same result. That set up the quarterfinal duel against Mizutani, which proved just as strenuous as the others. With his back to the wall during match point in the seventh game, Aruna could have capitulated and admitted defeat. But he’s a fighter; Rocky-like, something had hardened in him.
“Point after point I get more and more tired because he is a defender, but of course I’m here to enjoy myself and play without any kind of pressure.” Quadri Aruna, 17th August 2019
The semi-final loss to China’s Zhao Zihao has in no way dented his spirit. Aruna looks to the future. As always, it’s his to shape.
The unseeded duo of Samuel Boboye and Iyanuoluwa Falana clinched the mixed doubles title on Wednesday, April 30, at the 5th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
A major upset occurred in the U-15 boys’ singles, where the number one seed, Ayoola Usman, was eliminated by an unseeded player in the last 16 of the tournament.
The five-day tournament, sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and organized by the Osun State Table Tennis Association, attracted participants from various states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Taraba, Nasarawa, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, and the host state, Osun.
Clubs such as Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force also competed for top honours at the N11.5m prize money championships.
Boboye and Falana emerged as champions in the mixed doubles event by defeating the number two seed, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Sukurat Aiyelabegan of Kwara State, with a score of 3-1 (11-1, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7).
The Bayelsa pair attributed their victory to focus and composure, despite facing top-seeded players, and expressed their ambition to secure more laurels for the Niger Delta team.
In the U-15 boys’ singles, Solomon Oyenekan of Lagos was the standout player of the day, stunning the number one seed, Ayoola Usman of Aruna Club, with a commanding 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-8) victory to advance to the quarterfinals.
As the tournament concludes on Friday, May 2, the competition for the coveted trophies and substantial prize money intensifies, with top seeds determined to maintain their dominance against unseeded challengers.
The absence of the national champion in the Men’s Singles, Matthew Kuti, who is preparing for an international tournament later this month, may pave the way for a new champion to emerge.
Players have praised the sponsors for providing a conducive environment and full boarding, including accommodation and meals, throughout the tournament.
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Africa’s men’s doubles champion, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and top-ranked female player, Hope Udoaka, have emerged as the top seeds in the singles event of the 5th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships.
This prestigious tournament is currently underway in the historic town of Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
The event was officially declared open on Monday, April 28, by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, who participated in an exhibition match against former African champion, Saka Suraju.
A former table tennis player himself, Adewusi praised the tournament’s sponsor—the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Foundation, led by Ayodeji Alabi—for its unwavering commitment to the sport.
“I urge all players to take this tournament as an opportunity to display their talents,” Adewusi said. “However, talent must be complemented by discipline and hard work, as there are no shortcuts to success. I also challenge our female players to step up their game and see this platform as a chance to break into the national team.”
He expressed appreciation to the sponsors on behalf of the people of Osun State and Governor Ademola Adeleke for sustaining the championship in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Abdulfatai, who narrowly missed the national title to Matthew Kuti earlier this year, is determined to reclaim his spot on the national team.
Udoaka, representing Cross River, will be aiming to unseat defending champion Sukurat Aiyelabegan of Kwara in the women’s singles.
Other top contenders in the Men’s Singles include defending champion Jamiu Ayanwale, Edo’s Amadi Omeh, Akinwale Fagbamila from Ondo, and Azeez Waisu of Oyo.
In the Women’s Singles, Udoaka is joined by Aiyelabegan, Lagos-based Bose Odusanya, Aminat Fashola, and Bisola Asaju of Kwara on the list of seeded players.
Sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association, the five-day tournament features over ₦11.5 million in prize money.
Participants from states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Taraba, Nasarawa, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, and the host state, Osun, are competing. Clubs such as Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force are also in contention for top honours.
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Table Tennis
Ayanwale, Aiyelabegan set to defend titles at 2025 National Table Tennis Championships in Osun
Defending champions Jamiu Ayanwale and Sukurat Aiyelabegan will begin their title defence on Monday, April 28, as the 5th edition of the Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships kicks off in the historic town of Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
Ayanwale, representing Rivers State, dominated the 2024 edition, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. He triumphed in the Men’s Singles, defeating Wasiu Azeez of Oyo State in a thrilling final.
Similarly, Kwara’s Aiyelabegan impressed by overcoming top contenders, including Lagos State champion Bose Odusanya, with a decisive 4-0 victory in the Women’s Singles final.
This year, Ayanwale will face stiff competition from players like Omah Amadi, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Akinwale Fagbamila in the Men’s Singles.
Meanwhile, Aiyelabegan, known for her unique pimples style, will contend with familiar rivals such as Odusanya, Aminat Fashola, and Bisola Asaju in the Women’s Singles.
With over 50 teams from states and clubs across Nigeria confirmed for this year’s edition, the singles events are expected to draw significant attention. The tournament promises a blend of table tennis and entertainment, with the newly built Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall set to host the action.
From April 28 to May 2, players from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Taraba, Nasarawa, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, and the host state, Osun, as well as clubs like Aruna Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Police Force, will compete for honours in the five-day tournament with a prize pool of N11.5 million.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament will feature daily performances by various artists, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere.
Events will include men’s singles, women’s singles, U-15 boys’ and girls’ singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, veteran singles, para men’s singles open, para women’s singles open, deaf men’s singles, deaf women’s singles, and local singles.
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