Nigerian Table Tennis Star Backs Lagos Youth Sports Games

When Quadri Aruna started playing table tennis at age seven in Oyo town, he never imagined he'd become the first African man to crack the sport's global top 10. Now he's making sure Nigeria's next generation gets their chance.

Aruna has thrown his support behind Eko 2026, a brand-new national competition launching this October in Lagos. The 15-day event will bring together over 15,000 young athletes from across Nigeria to compete in 28 different sports at 10 venues.

The 37-year-old champion visited Lagos State Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso this week to personally endorse the games. He sees them as more than just another competition.

"Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory," Aruna said during the visit with his wife Ganiat and their children. He credited Lagos with supporting his own journey to international stardom under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration.

The National Intermediate Games fill a crucial gap in Nigeria's sports development pathway. They sit between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, giving young athletes another competitive stepping stone as they develop their skills.

Why This Inspires

Aruna's message to the young competitors goes beyond winning medals. He urged them to embrace the experience, stay disciplined, and believe in their potential no matter where they start.

"This event is for all Nigerian youths," he explained. "Just as people say 'Oyo to the World,' they too can rise from their towns to the world stage."

His own story proves it's possible. What began as recreational play in a small town transformed into a career that put him in the International Table Tennis Federation's elite rankings.

Commissioner Omotoso called Aruna's endorsement a powerful boost for participants. Seeing someone who started just like them succeed at the highest level shows young athletes what's within reach when they commit to their dreams.

Lagos organizers plan to use the October games to identify athletes ready for national and international competition, creating a direct pipeline from grassroots talent to world-class performance.