Nigeria’s table tennis sensation, Quadri Aruna, demonstrated his prowess on the table once again as he successfully defended his title in the men’s singles at the 2023 ITTF African Championships.
In an electrifying final showdown held on Sunday, Aruna faced off against Ahmed Saleh of Egypt and emerged victorious with a resounding 4-0 victory.
Aruna, who entered the tournament as the top seed, displayed remarkable skill and precision throughout the match, leaving his opponent, Saleh, struggling to find his footing. This triumph marked a triumphant return for Aruna to the same venue where he had suffered a heartbreaking injury during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification, missing out on the Olympics.
Reflecting on his victory and the significance of the win in Tunis, Aruna expressed mixed emotions. “I am elated to secure this title, especially given the contrasting memories I have of Tunis, having endured injury here during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification. Winning another title on this soil helps erase those painful memories. This win will stay with me for a long time, and I eagerly await my next challenge,” said the jubilant Nigerian.
In the women’s singles category, Egyptian teenage sensation, Hana Goda, stole the spotlight by dethroning her compatriot, Dina Meshref, to capture the coveted title.
Goda, a two-time Africa Cup champion, showcased her remarkable talent in a captivating final clash against the defending champion, Meshref. With her exceptional performance, Goda secured a 4-1 victory, underlining her status as one of Africa’s brightest table tennis prospects.
An exuberant 15-year-old Goda shared her excitement about the remarkable achievement, saying, “This victory is incredibly special, and I want to express my gratitude to the Tunisian fans for their fantastic support. I will cherish this moment for a very long time to come.”
The 2023 ITTF African Championships witnessed spectacular table tennis action, with Aruna and Goda emerging as the standout performers, leaving their mark on the African table tennis scene. As these champions bask in their glory, fans eagerly await the next chapter in their inspiring journeys on the international stage.
