Nigeria got off to a winning start at the ITTF Championships, with veteran Quadri Aruna leading the comeback after youngster Matthew Kuti had dropped both his matches in the opening round.
Aruna's steady performance proved decisive as Nigeria bounced back from the early setback to secure the victory. His experience and composure on the board steadied the team after Kuti's struggles gave opponents an early advantage.
Egypt and Madagascar also opened their campaigns with wins, setting up competitive pools as the tournament progressed. The results suggest all three nations arrived with serious intentions to compete for honours at the championships.
Aruna, who has long been Nigeria's flag bearer in international table tennis competition, continued his tradition of delivering when the team needed him most. The 37-year-old remains one of Africa's most reliable players despite his age, and his performance here underscored why he remains central to Nigeria's medal hopes.
Kuti, still developing at the senior international level, will have another chance to make his mark as the championship moves into its knockout stages. Nigeria's coaching staff will likely review his matches to identify where the young player lost his way and what adjustments he needs to compete at this level.
