Other Sports
ARUNA QUADRI IS A RECORD SETTER, SAYS ITTF
As the only African to make it to the quarter final of the World Cup and Olympic Games, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) through it Publication Editor, Ian Marshal has described Aruna Quadri as a record setter following his feat at the Polish Open at the weekend.
After winning the Polish Open men’s singles title, Aruna Quadri becomes the first African to win an ITTF title outside the continent.
In his review of the 2017 Polish Open, Ian Marshall wrote, “at the Liebherr 2014 Men’s World Cup in Düsseldorf Quadri Aruna became the first player from Africa to reach the quarter-final stage of the prestigious tournament; just over one year ago in the Men’s Singles event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, he replicated the feat. Against all expectations he reached the round of the last eight.
“The win in Czestochowa means that he becomes the first player from Nigeria to win a Men’s Singles title on either the ITTF World Tour or ITTF Challenge Series; notably on home soil in Nigeria, in 2015 he had been beaten in the final by Egypt’s Omar Assar, his only previous Men’s Singles final in a recognised open international tournament.
“He now joins Omar Assar as the only African player to win such a title and the only player to win beyond the continent’s shore. Omar Assar has three such titles to his name but all in Nigeria. He repeated his Lagos success earlier this year, having also won in 2014.
“Furthermore, at the final hurdle in Czestochowa, Quadri Aruna beat a most worthy adversary; a decade ago Kaii Yoshida was pivotal to Japanese success, his right handed pen-hold grip all out attacking style of play challenging the very best.
“Pertinently on the ITTF World Tour he won in 2006 in Serbia when beating Austria’s Kostadin Lengerov in the final, before more recently succeeding in Belarus in 2013 when he accounted for colleague, Kohei Sambe in the final.
“Two titles, it was not to be a third; in the Czestochowa it was to be runners up spot, the top step of the podium belonged to Nigeria, to Quadri Aruna, a watershed moment for player and country,” Marshal said.
Quadri Aruna is well known for setting records and has accomplished a new landmark achievement in Czestochowa, becoming the first Nigerian competitor to win a Men’s Singles title at an ITTF Challenge Series event.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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