Sports
WTT: Aruna Reaches Last 16, Battles Korean Foe
Aruna Quadri will faceoff with South Korea’s Cho Dae-seong in the men’s singles round of 16 of the World Table Tennis Saudi Smash 2024, taking place in Jedda.
The Nigerian once again showed character as he came from behind to edge Lee Sang Su of South Korea 3-2 (9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11, 7, 11-1, 11-3) in a round of 32 slugfest at King Abdullah Sports City Infinity Arena on Monday morning.
The nail-biting win set up the potentially scintillating clash with the 21-year-old world No. 45, who will be looking to avenge the defeat of his compatriot.
Aruna made a flying start to his Saudi Smash campaign by coming from behind to beat Sharath Kamal Achanta 2-3 (11-8, 13-8, 8-11, 5-11, 11-13), who won two singles titles at the ITTF Pro Tour, the first in 2010, and reached the semi-finals in the men’s singles event at the 2017 World Championship.
Aruna’s virtuoso performance in the gruelling encounter delighted Nigerian women’s table tennis legend, Funke Oshonaike, who rooted ceaselessly for him and shared her excitement on her Facebook page after the match.”
What a match between the experience legend Achanta and our own Quadri Aruna! I was so very tensed because Achanta was leading 2-0. Aruna eventually won 3-2. yesssssssss! Me and table tennis sha na 5/6,” Oshonaike, the only woman to have participated in seven Olympic Games, said.
Battle-weary Aruna shared his experience in the match on the official website of the tournament saying, “It was really, really difficult to come back from 0-2 down. I was 8-2 up in the first game and 9-5 up in the second set, but I lost both, so I almost gave up. But I told myself not to give up, and the spirit of never giving up made the difference. In the end, I was very happy to win. I knew it was going to be 50/50 today. Achanta is a good player and a legend. I have learned a lot from him growing up. But I wasn’t intimidated. Thanks to all the fans who came to support me. They didn’t let me give up. They were the reason I kept on fighting, so I want to say thanks to all of them.
“The $2m prize money Saudi Smash 2024 is the sixth tournament of the WTT Series 2024. It started May 1 and will run through May 11 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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