As the 2025 ITTF World Championships Finals approach, Nigeria is set to make a bold statement in Doha, Qatar, with top-ranked star Quadri Aruna leading a strong contingent of table tennis players. The tournament, which runs from May 16 to 25, will see Nigerian athletes competing in singles and doubles events across both men's and women's categories, as the country—and Africa—chase a long-awaited podium finish on the world stage.

Aruna Carries Medal Hopes

At the forefront of Nigeria’s campaign is Quadri Aruna, currently ranked 20th in the world and seeded 19th for the tournament. At 36, Aruna remains Africa’s most decorated and consistent table tennis player. His remarkable performance in 2021, where he became the first African to reach the quarterfinals of the ITTF World Championships, still serves as a landmark moment for the continent.

Aruna begins his 2025 journey in the Round of 128 against Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy on Saturday, May 17, and carries the weight of a nation hopeful for its first-ever World Championship medal.

Emerging Talents Join the Fray

Joining Aruna in the men’s singles draw are three promising players:

  • Olajide Omotayo (World Rank: 103), who faces Brazil’s Leonardo Iizuka
  • Muizz Adegoke (World Rank: 203), matched against Belgium’s Adrien Rassenfosse
  • Matthew Kuti (World Rank: 207), a teenage prospect squaring off with Poland’s Samuel Kulczycki

All three matches are scheduled for Sunday, May 18.

In the women’s singles, Nigeria is represented by:

  • Fatimo Bello (World Rank: 91), the country’s highest-ranked female player, who faces a tough draw against India’s Manika Batra (World Rank: 22)
  • Ajoke Ojomu (198th), who will take on Sally Moyland of the USA
  • Hope Udoaka (301st), set to meet Brazil’s Giulia Takahashi on May 17

Doubles Action Set for Competitive Debuts

Nigeria has also registered entries across men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events. The team combinations include:

Men’s Doubles:

  • Muizz Adegoke / Abdulbasit Abdulfatai (CPR: 115)
  • Olajide Omotayo / Matthew Kuti (CPR: 124)

Women’s Doubles:

  • Fatimo Bello / Hope Udoaka (CPR: 247)
  • Ajoke Ojomu / Kabirat Ayoola (CPR: 705)

Mixed Doubles:

  • Ajoke Ojomu / Matthew Kuti (CPR: 213)
  • Olajide Omotayo / Kabirat Ayoola (CPR: 984)

These pairings offer a mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm, with the hope of navigating through early rounds into medal contention.

A Push for History

With Aruna’s leadership and reputation, Nigeria enters the championship with cautious optimism. His previous wins over world-class opponents—including his historic triumph over Timo Boll at the 2016 Olympics—reinforce his potential to challenge the sport’s elite once again.

For younger athletes like Kuti and Udoaka, the Doha tournament offers a valuable opportunity to gain international experience while possibly pulling off career-defining upsets.

Continental Ambitions

Nigeria’s efforts also carry significance beyond national pride. Africa has yet to claim a medal at the ITTF World Championships, and the Nigerian team’s strong representation reflects a broader ambition to shift that narrative.

As the tournament kicks off in Qatar, the focus will be not just on results, but on progress—both for Nigeria’s table tennis program and the continent’s rising profile in global sports.