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Nigeria’s table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, has vowed to fight his way back to the top after two difficult years on and off the table.
Aruna, a former African champion, left Lagos on Saturday after a brief holiday to join Amiens Sport Tennis de Table.
The French second-division club has signed the Nigerian as it begins preparations for its promotion campaign in the French Table Tennis League.
Aruna described the move as more than a change of club, calling it a fresh start and a declaration of his determination to regain top form.
Aruna, in a statement issued on Sunday, said: “The last two years have been challenging both on and off the table.
“But I am determined to regain my spot on the global ladder. I am a fighter and 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.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aruna remains the only African player to have been ranked among the world’s top 10.
His arrival is expected to strengthen Amiens’ squad as the club seeks to mount a strong challenge for promotion this season.
Aruna will play alongside experienced players, including Austrian legend Robert Gardos, Portugal’s Monteiro Joao and South Korea’s Cho Seungmin.
Frenchman Dorcescu Denis is also part of the Amiens squad that will compete in the second tier of French table tennis.
Amiens are scheduled to begin their campaign at home against Lille Metropole on Sept. 22.
Aruna is currently ranked 81st in the world following a difficult spell on the international circuit this year.
The setback also saw him briefly fall to fourth among African players, in spite of his previous status as the continent’s leading table tennis player.
In spite of the decline, Aruna remains captain of Nigeria’s men’s national team and is expected to lead the country to Morocco next month.
Earlier in 2026, he demonstrated his resilience by guiding Nigeria to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia.
The victory came at the Centenary ITTF World Team Championships held in London, where Aruna again demonstrated his leadership.
His most recent international appearance came at the United States Smash 2026 in Los Angeles in early July.
Aruna received a wildcard entry for the Men’s Singles competition but was eliminated in the Round of 64.
He lost to Sweden’s Truls Möregårdh, ending his campaign at the prestigious tournament.
However, the defeat has not diminished Aruna’s determination to rebuild his career and return to the upper reaches of world table tennis.
His move to Amiens therefore provides the experienced Nigerian with a new competitive environment to regain confidence, consistency and form.
