Team Nigeria’s campaign at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 produced mixed fortunes on Tuesday, as Quadri Aruna led the men to a dramatic win over Saudi Arabia, while the women fell 3–0 to Wales at the Copper Box Arena, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Championships, taking place from 28 April to 10 May 2026, delivered contrasting outcomes for Nigeria, with the men surviving a tense five-match battle to stay on course in Group 15, while the women were outplayed in their Group 11 opener despite a spirited display.
Nigeria’s men began on the back foot after Matthew Kuti fell to Abdulaziz Bu Shulaybi in straight sets (11-1, 11-5, 11-8), before another setback saw Kuti lose a five-set battle against Ali Alkhadrawi (5-11, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4), leaving Nigeria under early pressure.
With the tie finely poised at 2–2, Aruna stepped up in the decisive rubber against Bu Shulaybi. The veteran, ranked 48th in the world, delivered a composed and clinical performance to secure victory in a tense five-set encounter (11-2, 8-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-6), sealing the tie for Nigeria.
Aruna’s win ensured Nigeria edged the contest 3–2, keeping their hopes of topping Group 15 alive heading into tougher fixtures.
In the women’s event, Nigeria endured a difficult start to Group 11, losing 3–0 to Wales, despite a spirited and closely fought display from Fatimo Bello in the final match of the tie.
Ajoke Ojomu was beaten by Anna Hursey in straight sets (3-11, 8-11, 7-11), as Wales took early control of the tie. Shukurat Aiyelabegan then lost to Charlotte Carey, also in straight sets (2-11, 4-11, 7-11), as the Welsh side maintained their momentum.
Bello, however, produced Nigeria’s standout performance of the tie, pushing Danielle Kelly to the limit in a gripping five-set encounter. Bello fought bravely before narrowly losing (11-9, 5-11, 3-11, 11-9, 5-11), as Wales completed a 3–0 victory.
The result leaves Nigeria with work to do in the women’s group standings, with upcoming fixtures against Australia and Uzbekistan now carrying must-win importance if they are to progress to the knockout rounds.
Aruna’s heroics ensured Nigeria avoided an early setback in the men’s draw, though the wider team picture remains mixed as the centenary edition of the Championships continues in London, where margins for error are already proving extremely thin.
