Aruna Quadri, Nigeria’s table tennis icon, has dropped to second place in Africa’s latest ITTF world rankings. Egypt’s Omar Assar reclaimed the continental No. 1 spot, overtaking Quadri, who had held the top position for years.
Quadri Slips to Second as Assar Reclaims Top Spot
Quadri now sits at 34th globally with 875 ranking points, while Assar has climbed to 33rd with 976 points. This shift follows Quadri’s recent mixed results on the ITTF world tour. Despite his strong performances in the past, his recent form has impacted his ranking.
The Rivalry Between Quadri and Assar
Quadri and Assar have dominated African table tennis for nearly a decade. While Quadri has been a fixture in international competitions, including multiple ITTF World Cup appearances and Olympic Games, Assar’s resurgence in form has allowed him to regain the No. 1 spot in Africa.
Assar’s success has been attributed to improved fitness and a more refined tactical approach, particularly against defensive opponents, which has helped him accumulate crucial ranking points.
Other Nigerian Players Struggling in Rankings
The recent rankings also reveal difficulties for other Nigerian male players. Matthew Kuti dropped from 182nd to 184th, despite a strong performance at the 2024 African Championships. Similarly, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai slipped from 205th to 210th, and Olajide Omotayo fell from 224th to 229th.
Taiwo Mati, a rising star, also saw a drop from 228th to 233rd, though he remains one of Nigeria’s top young talents.
Fatimo Bello’s Minor Decline in the Women’s Rankings
In the women’s category, Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello also experienced a slight decline, dropping from 115th to 118th. Despite this setback, Bello remains a key figure in Nigeria’s women’s table tennis team, known for her aggressive topspin game and consistency in continental events.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Nigerian Table Tennis
The February ITTF rankings highlight a challenging start to the 2026 season for Nigerian table tennis. However, players like Quadri and Bello, despite setbacks, remain crucial to Nigeria’s ambitions in the sport. The focus will be on regaining momentum and improving rankings in the upcoming ITTF events.
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