Connect with us

Table Tennis

GRATEFUL ARUNA QUADRI LEADS SPORTING TO POLAND FOR ETTU CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

blank

Published

on

Having been named Sportsman of the Year at both the 2017 Nigeria Sports Award and New Telegraph Award, Portugal-based Aruna Quadri believes the gongs would motivate him to work harder to achieve more for the country.

Also on Thursday November 30, Quadri will be leading Sporting to Poland in a consolation match against Poland’s Dartom Bogoria in round five of the ETTU Champions League.

The 2014 ITTF World Player of the Year expressed appreciation to Nigerians for considering him worthy of the awards while thanking the organisers of the awards for their support with the laurels.

“I must thank God for all the awards that have come my way this year and I am motivated to continue to put Nigeria on the world map.

“I am so excited that my efforts are being recognised by Nigerians and I must also thank them for their unflinching support particularly after my performance at the 2017 Nigeria Open.

Advertisement

“There is no doubt that I have been motivated by their support to do well at the Bulgaria, Polish and Swedish Opens.  These are awards I will forever cherish in my career and I hope I can reciprocate the gesture by doing my best in order to continue to raise Nigeria’s flag globally,” Quadri said.

The Oyo State-born athlete also expressed appreciation to the Chairman and Board of Premier Lotto for their support while admitting that there singular gesture had afforded him the opportunity to feature in several competitions across the globe.

“Before Premier Lotto came on board, it was not that easy funding myself to attend competitions but with their support, I have been able to attend several major competitions across the globe and this has given me the opportunity to play against the best.

“There is nothing more honourable than being supported and recognized by your own people and this alone has indeed fired me up at several competitions to excel,” the 2017 Polish Open champion added.

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games quarterfinalist is hoping that he can end this year’s ranking in a respectable position following his quarterfinal berth at the Swedish Open.

Advertisement

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Table Tennis

Dr Adesoji Tayo Elected New President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation

blank

Published

on

blank

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has elected Dr. Adesoji Tayo as its new president following the conclusion of the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja on Saturday, October 4.

Dr. Tayo, who previously served as Vice President of the federation, succeeds Ishaku Tikon, whose eight-year tenure came to an end after steering the affairs of Nigerian table tennis through two terms.

Chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Tayo emerged unopposed after his main challenger, Khamisu Ahmed from Gombe State, stepped down and was subsequently named the new Vice President.

With his election, Dr. Tayo joins the growing ranks of passionate table tennis enthusiasts who have taken leadership roles in the sport’s administration.

 He is expected to bring renewed energy and direction to the NTTF over the next four years, building on the developmental strides achieved under his predecessor.

Advertisement

The new leadership is anticipated to focus on grassroots development, international competitiveness, and strengthening state associations to sustain Nigeria’s rich legacy in the sport.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Continue Reading

Table Tennis

Mati returns as Nigeria names squad for 2025 ITTF African Championships

blank

Published

on

blank

Following his last outing at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa, Taiwo Mati makes a return to Nigeria’s national team as the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) announces a 10-man squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships, scheduled to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 12 to 19.

The continental event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom—a landmark edition marking the centenary of the World Championships, which will return to the city where it all began in 1926.

Mati, who plays professionally in Europe, earned his spot after a strong performance at the 2025 West Regional Championships, where he finished among the top four, edging out Muiz Adegoke.

He joins a formidable lineup that includes Africa’s top-ranked player, Quadri Aruna; 2019 African Games gold medalist, Olajide Omotayo; two-time West African champion, Matthew Kuti; and rising talent Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

Despite being one of Africa’s standout performers at Durban 2023, Mati had been absent from the national team for two years.

Advertisement

His semifinal finish at the regional tournament in Lagos last July marked a successful comeback for the left-handed star.

The women’s team features promising young players, including Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan. Veteran Ajoke Ojomu will lead the squad as captain in Tunis.

NTTF Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, emphasized the importance of early exposure for young athletes:

“We believe that exposing these young players to top-tier competitions will help them grow stronger and more confident. Competing against Africa’s best will prepare them to face global opponents. Most elite players began early, and we want our talents to follow that path.

With guidance from experienced coaches like Segun Toriola and Dotun Omoniyi, we’re optimistic they’ll gain valuable experience and deliver strong performances,” he said.

Advertisement

Top-performing teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will earn qualification for London 2026, the sport’s most prestigious stage.

In the men’s division, Nigeria and Egypt lead a competitive field that includes Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.

The women’s competition will feature Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Table Tennis

Nigeria, Egypt Battle for Spots for London 2026 World Championships in Tunis

blank

Published

on

blank

Africa’s table tennis powerhouses, Nigeria and Egypt, will lead the charge for qualification to the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom, as the continent’s top teams converge in Tunis, Tunisia, for the 2025 ITTF African Championships from October 12 to 19.

London 2026 marks a historic centenary celebration, returning the World Championships to the city where it all began in 1926. The Tunis tournament serves as the official African qualification event, with the top-performing men’s and women’s teams securing their place on the sport’s grandest stage.

In the men’s division, Nigeria—West Africa’s dominant force—and Egypt—the North African powerhouse—will be joined by Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.

The women’s field features Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia.

With London in sight, the battle for qualification will intensify during the final three days of the continental tournament, where all eyes will be on Nigeria and Egypt as they renew their storied rivalry.

Advertisement

According to the ITTF, London 2026 will feature 64 teams in both the men’s and women’s events—an expansion from the previous 40-team format. This growth reflects the global rise of table tennis and opens the door for more nations to compete at the highest level.

The tournament will unfold across two iconic London venues. The Copper Box Arena will host the opening rounds from April 28 to May 1, followed by the main draw at Wembley Arena from May 2 to 10, where the world’s elite will compete for the ultimate prize.

Each gender will see 64 teams divided into 16 groups of four, with round-robin matches determining progression. A key innovation in the format is the introduction of Stage 1a and Stage 1b:

Stage 1a features the top eight teams (seven highest-ranked plus host nation) split into two groups. All eight automatically advance, with group results determining seedings.

Stage 1b includes the remaining 56 teams across 14 groups. The 14 group winners and six best second-placed teams qualify directly. The remaining eight second-placed teams enter a preliminary knockout round, with four winners completing the 32-team main draw.

Advertisement

From the first serve at the Copper Box to the final point at Wembley, London 2026 promises to celebrate not only the present strength of global table tennis but also the remarkable journey that began in the same city a century ago.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Continue Reading

Most Viewed