Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna is set to lead Amiens STT into their French Pro B league opener against Lille Metropole TT at the Albéric-Labaume Gymnasium. Aruna, who joined the three-time French champions in May, views this move as a fresh start — a chance to rebuild his career and guide Amiens back to the top division. He will anchor a squad rich in international experience.
Aruna's team includes Austria’s Robert Gardos, Portugal’s João Monteiro, South Korea’s Cho Seungmin, and France’s Denis Dorcescu. Monteiro brings the pedigree of a three-time European champion, while Gardos adds veteran resilience to the lineup. Ranked 80th in the world, Aruna remains the team’s highest-rated player. Once celebrated as the first African to break into the world’s top 10, he now seeks to regain consistency and climb back up the rankings.
Aruna has vowed to bounce back after some setbacks in recent years. “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.” He explained that this transfer is about rebuilding form and pushing Amiens toward promotion.
Lille’s roster boasts Croatian star Andrej Gacina, alongside Ukraine’s Yaroslav Zhmudenko, Iran’s Amir Hodaei, Romania’s Rares Sipos, Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana, France’s Romain Brard, and Hungary’s Marton Szita – a lineup brimming with depth and international pedigree. With most Pro B teams eyeing promotion to the lucrative Pro A, all eyes in France will be on Aruna.
Aruna’s compatriots are also set for action in the French Pro B league. Olajide Omotayo, the 2019 Africa Games champion, has teamed up with rising star Taiwo Mati at Le Havre ATT. Legendary Segun Toriola, serving as player-coach at Nantes, will lead his side alongside Egyptian talent Youssef Abdelaziz and Greek veteran Panagiotis Gionis.
African representation in the French Pro B league continues to grow, with Benin Republic’s Salifou Abdel-Kader and Algeria’s trio – Stephane Ouaiche, Mehdi Bouloussa, and Maheidine Bella – all set to compete. For Aruna, however, the spotlight is brighter than ever. His debut with Amiens is not just a league opener – it is the beginning of a redemption story.
The match against Lille Metropole TT marks a crucial step in Aruna's journey to reclaim his place in the rankings. With his determination and the team's international experience, Amiens STT aims to make a strong statement in the French Pro B league. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as they seek to make an impact in the competition.
Key points
- Quadri Aruna to lead Amiens STT in French Pro B league opener
- Aruna aims to rebuild his career and guide Amiens back to the top division
- African representation in the French Pro B league continues to grow
