Aruna Vows Fightback After Two Tough Years, Joins French Second-Division Club
Nigeria’s table tennis star Quadri Aruna says he is ready to fight his way back to the top after a string of disappointing results on the international stage, compounded by personal struggles over the last two years, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Since September 2024, the 38-year-old has played 46 competitive games across the WTT Series and World Championships, winning just 15.
The former African champion has now joined second-division French Table Tennis League side Amiens Sport Tennis de Table, a move he sees as a statement of intent for his career.
“The last two years have been challenging both on and off the table,” he admitted. “But I am determined to regain my spot on the global ladder. I am a fighter, and I am ready to endure the rigours of returning to form. Nothing comes easy in life, and I am willing to go through the process to reclaim my place in the rankings.”
Aruna remains the only African player ever to be ranked inside the world’s top 10, and his signing is seen as a major boost for Amiens as they chase promotion. He will line up alongside seasoned names such as Austrian legend Robert Gardos, Portugal’s João Monteiro, South Korea’s Cho Seung-min and Frenchman Denis Dorcescu. Their campaign begins at home against Lille Métropole on September 22.
Currently ranked 81st in the world, Aruna has endured a difficult run on the circuit this year, briefly slipping to fourth in Africa. Despite this, he continues to captain the Nigerian men’s national team, with expectations high as he prepares to lead the side to Morocco next month.
Earlier in 2026, he reminded the world of his resilience by guiding Nigeria to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Centenary ITTF World Team Championships in London.
His most recent appearance came in early July at the United States Smash 2026 in Los Angeles, where he competed in the men’s singles. Granted a wildcard entry, he fell in the round of 64 to Sweden’s Truls Möregård.
