Nigeria Eye First ITTF Medal as Quadri Aruna Heads to Doha

• Africa’s Table Tennis Powerhouse Eyes Historic Breakthrough in Doha.

• Quadri Aruna and Nigeria’s Finest Set to Battle the World’s Best.

• 2025 ITTF World Championships: A Defining Moment for Nigerian Table Tennis.

Excitement is building for the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, and all eyes are on Quadri Aruna, Nigeria’s top-ranked table tennis player.

The tournament, taking place from May 16 to 25, will feature the world’s best, with Aruna aiming to make history for Africa.

Ranked 20th globally and seeded 19th for the event, Aruna remains Nigeria’s top force in the men’s singles.

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At 36, his experience and resilience continue to inspire.

In 2021, he made history by becoming the first African to reach the quarter-finals. Now, he eyes a deeper run.

Aruna will begin his journey on May 17, facing Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy in the Round of 128.

Nigeria’s Men’s and Women’s Singles Lineup

Joining Aruna in the men’s singles draw are Olajide Omotayo (world rank 103), Muizz Adegoke (203), and rising star Matthew Kuti (207).

Omotayo faces Brazil’s Leonardo Iizuka, Adegoke takes on Adrien Rassenfosse of Belgium, and Kuti faces Poland’s Samuel Kulczycki, all on May 18.

In the women’s singles, Nigeria has Fatimo Bello (91), Ajoke Ojomu (198), and Hope Udoaka (301).

Bello will play world number 22, Manika Batra of India.

Ojomu faces Sally Moyland of the U.S., while Udoaka meets Brazil’s Giulia Takahashi, all on May 17.

Nigeria Fields Strong Doubles and Mixed Doubles Teams

Nigeria’s ambitions go beyond singles.

The team will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, aiming to improve rankings and test new pairings.

Also Read: Quadri to Lead Table Tennis Stars at WTT Contender Lagos 2024

In men’s doubles, Adegoke partners with Abdulbasit Abdulfatai (CPR 115), while Omotayo teams with Kuti (CPR 124).

In women’s doubles, Bello pairs with Udoaka (CPR 247), and Ojomu teams up with Kabirat Ayoola (CPR 705).

In mixed doubles, Ojomu and Kuti (CPR 213) team up, while Omotayo and Ayoola (CPR 984) form another pair.

Leadership and the Future of Nigerian Table Tennis

For Aruna, this championship is more than just another event.

His career, highlighted by a historic win over Timo Boll at the 2016 Olympics and his 2021 quarter-final run, has made him a symbol of African excellence.

Aruna now mentors the next generation, with young talents like Kuti and Udoaka stepping onto the global stage.

The combination of Aruna’s experience and their hunger could be key to Nigeria’s success in Doha.

Conclusion

With Aruna leading the charge, Nigeria enters the 2025 ITTF World Championships with renewed ambition.

The mix of seasoned athletes and rising stars gives Africa a real chance to make its mark.

If all goes well, Doha could be the tournament where Nigeria and Africa finally break through the medal barrier in world table tennis.