Aruna, Udoaka, Omotayo lead charge at 2025 ITTF World tourney
Nigeria’s top table tennis talents are set to take center stage as the 2025 ITTF World Championships serve off in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, May 17. Among them is Africa’s number one player, Quadri Aruna, who leads the nation’s charge in the prestigious global tournament, which runs through May 25 at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall […]
poster boy of nigerian table tennis, aruna quadri
Nigeria’s top table tennis talents are set to take center stage as the 2025 ITTF World Championships serve off in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, May 17.
Among them is Africa’s number one player, Quadri Aruna, who leads the nation’s charge in the prestigious global tournament, which runs through May 25 at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University Sports Complex.
Aruna, the first African to ever reach the quarterfinals of the World Championships, opens his Men’s Singles campaign against Brazil’s Victor Ishiy—a familiar opponent he defeated 4-2 at the 2021 edition in Houston. The Nigerian star will be aiming to go even further in Doha and solidify his status as a global contender.
In the Women’s Singles, rising Nigerian player Hope Udoaka will face Brazil’s Giulia Takahashi in the opening round. Udoaka’s participation marks a continued effort to spotlight Nigeria’s growing female presence on the international stage.
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The Mixed Doubles category will also see multiple Nigerian pairings in action. Olajide Omotayo teams up with Kabirat Ayoola in an all-African face-off against Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy and Hend Fathy. Another Nigerian duo, Matthew Kuti and Ajoke Ojomu, are set to battle Japan’s formidable pair, Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto.
With Nigeria fielding athletes in multiple events and showcasing a mix of seasoned stars and promising young talents, the 2025 ITTF World Championships present a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the country’s place among the elite in world table tennis.
Apart from Nigeria, top African players from Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Togo will also be competing, ensuring strong continental representation in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of global talent and African pride.