Africa’s celebrated table tennis player, Quadri Aruna, believes the upcoming Eko 2026 National Intermediate Games are a golden opportunity to unearth and nurture fresh sporting talent across Nigeria. He voiced this strong endorsement during a recent courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, at his Alausa, Ikeja office.
The inaugural Eko 2026 Games are scheduled to take place in Lagos from October 1st to October 15th. Organisers are expecting a massive turnout, with over 15,000 athletes set to compete in 28 different sports across 10 venues throughout the state. This multi-sport event aims to bridge the gap between youth competitions and senior national championships, offering a vital stepping stone for aspiring athletes.
Aruna, who arrived with his wife, Ganiat, and their children, stressed that the Games could significantly help shift the focus back to grassroots sports development. He sees it as a vital avenue for young Nigerians to chase their dreams and build fulfilling careers in sports. "Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory," he stated, highlighting the potential for a revival of national sporting pride.
The table tennis star also took a moment to acknowledge Lagos State's significant role in his own impressive career. He expressed gratitude for the state's consistent support for sports, particularly under the current administration led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Aruna's journey from a young boy in Oyo town to an international sports figure is a testament to what dedication can achieve.
At 37, Aruna holds the unique distinction of being the first and only African male table tennis player to have ever broken into the top 10 of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world rankings. This remarkable achievement underscores his status as a true pioneer and an inspiring role model for aspiring athletes in Nigeria and across the continent.
Drawing from his own experiences, Aruna, who began playing table tennis at the tender age of seven in Oyo town, urged the young athletes participating in Eko 2026 to view the Games as more than just a competition. He encouraged them to embrace the experience, give their absolute best, and actively seek opportunities to learn and grow, both on and off the court. "They should embrace it, give their best, enjoy the experience, and learn as much as possible to succeed in life," he advised.
He recalled how his early days with the paddle were initially just for fun, and he never truly envisioned it leading him to the pinnacle of the sport. "This event is for all Nigerian youths," he declared. "They must be disciplined, determined, and eager to learn, and believe in themselves. Just as people say ‘Oyo to the World,’ they too can rise from their towns to the world stage."
Gbenga Omotoso, who also chairs the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the Eko 2026 Local Organising Committee, emphasised the importance of Aruna's endorsement. He believes it will have a profound impact on the young athletes who will be competing. "His endorsement shows what is possible when you put your mind to something," Omotoso commented. "Aruna himself started just like many of the athletes who will compete. Seeing him encourage them will inspire energy, determination, and purpose. From the National Intermediate Games, they too can rise to the world stage and showcase their talent."
The National Intermediate Games are strategically positioned as a developmental platform, sitting between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival. This structure aims to provide a clear, progressive pathway for young athletes as they advance through the ranks of national competition. With Lagos hosting this inaugural edition, organisers are keenly focused on using the Games as a key mechanism for identifying athletes with the potential to excel at higher levels of national and international sporting arenas.