Quadri Aruna, ranked 80th in the world, is set to lead Amiens STT in the French Pro B league opener against Lille Metropole TT at the Albéric-Labaume Gymnasium in Amiens. The Nigerian table tennis star joined Amiens in May, seeking a fresh start and a chance to rebuild his career. Aruna views this move as an opportunity to guide Amiens back to the top division. He will anchor a squad with international experience, including Austria's Robert Gardos and Portugal's João Monteiro.
Aruna's teammates boast impressive credentials, with Monteiro being a three-time European champion and Gardos adding veteran resilience to the lineup. The team's roster also features South Korea's Cho Seungmin and France's Denis Dorcescu, who is entering his fourth season with the club. Aruna remains the team's highest-rated player, having once been 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's determination to return to the heights of global competition is evident. "This transfer is about rebuilding form and pushing Amiens toward promotion," he explained. The challenge ahead is formidable, with Lille's roster featuring Croatian star Andrej Gacina, ranked world No. 50. Lille's lineup also includes Ukraine's Yaroslav Zhmudenko, Iran's Amir Hodaei, and Madagascar's Fabio Rakotoarimanana, among others.
The French Pro B league is highly competitive, with most teams eyeing promotion to the lucrative Pro A. Aruna's exploits in the top division over the past three seasons earned him widespread respect. His debut with Amiens is not just a league opener – it is the beginning of a redemption story, one that could redefine his career and inspire a new generation of African table tennis stars.
Aruna is not the only African player competing in the French Pro B league. His compatriots Olajide Omotayo and Taiwo Mati will team up at Le Havre ATT, while legendary Segun Toriola will lead Nantes alongside Egyptian talent Youssef Abdelaziz and Greek veteran Panagiotis Gionis. Other African players, including Benin's Salifou Abdel-Kader and Algeria's trio of Stephane Ouaiche, Mehdi Bouloussa, and Maheidine Bella, will also compete in the league.
The French Pro B league opener promises to be an exciting event, with several African players in action. Aruna's performance will be closely watched, as he seeks to make a strong impression in his new team. His experience and skills will be crucial in Amiens' bid for promotion to the top division.
As the French Pro B league gets underway, Aruna and his teammates will face a tough challenge from Lille Metropole TT. The outcome of the match will set the tone for the rest of the season, and Aruna will be eager to make a positive impact. With his talent and determination, he is poised to make a significant contribution to Amiens' success.
Key points
- Quadri Aruna is set to lead Amiens STT in the French Pro B league opener against Lille Metropole TT.
- Aruna is seeking to rebuild his career and guide Amiens back to the top division.
- Several African players, including Aruna's compatriots and players from other countries, will compete in the French Pro B league.
