Twelve-year-old Mariam Aruna and her mother Ganiyat shared their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future, in a chat with www.aclsports.com at the ITTF Africa Youth Cup in Lagos.
Competing in the U-15 girls’ singles category at the maiden edition of the tournament, the daughter of Africa’s table tennis icon Quadri Aruna and former national player Ganiyat Aruna impressed, reaching the quarterfinals of a fiercely contested event.
Inside the buzzing Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday, Mariam bowed out to Egypt’s Elhakim Khadeeja, but not before earning two commanding victories, first against Ethiopia’s Dagne Veronica (3-1) in the group stage, and then sweeping Andriantahina Tina of Madagascar (3-0) in the Round of 16.
“I’m happy I didn’t lose in the group,” Mariam said. “I was a bit nervous and excited. But reaching the quarterfinals makes me proud.”
Double advantage: Trained by Table Tennis royalty
Her father, Quadri Aruna, is one of Africa’s most decorated table tennis players, while her mother, Ganiyat, a former national champion, now serves as her coach.
“It’s really fun and interesting training with my dad,” Mariam said. “But my mum is the best coach I’ve ever had. Whenever she’s coaching me, I usually don’t lose, well, except once in a while.”
Mariam describes her playing style as a blend of both parents. But her inspirations go beyond family. Brazilian star Hugo Calderano is another major influence.
“I look up to him and learn a lot,” she added.
“Never give up”: Words from a legend
In a sport where pressure can undo even the most talented players, Mariam already has a key lesson from her father firmly planted in her mind.
“He tells me: never give up, and always fight,” she said.
And when she’s not holding a paddle, the young star dreams of exploring other sports.
“I used to play football, but if I had the chance, I’d do both basketball and table tennis,” she added.
Ganiyat Aruna: The mother, the coach
Balancing the roles of mother and coach hasn’t been easy for Ganiyat, who has closely guided Mariam’s development both at home and on the table.
“It’s not been an easy journey,” she admitted. “As a mother and coach, I have to give 100 percent. When she loses, it hurts, but I remind her that sport is about winning and losing. What matters is giving your best.”
Off the court, Mariam is described as calm, focused, and academically sound. On the table, her coachability stands out.
“She listens to me and to other coaches as well,” Ganiyat said. “But she still prefers having me behind her during matches. I’ve been preparing her to adapt to other coaches.”
Staying grounded in a famous family
Despite her high-profile surname drawing attention at every competition, Ganiyat remains intentional about keeping Mariam grounded.
“She shouldn’t see herself as the daughter of Quadri Aruna,” she said. “That can bring ego. I always tell her: ‘Make your own name. Your dad has made his.’ With our support, she can go as far as she wants.”
Ahead of the tournament, their shared goal was simple: give your best.
“I told her before we left Portugal, winning comes with confidence. Don’t overthink it. Focus on the table, and let the result follow,” Ganiyat said.
Beyond the table
Away from the rallies and drills, Ganiyat also runs Aruna Sports Shop, which supplies table tennis equipment and supports emerging talent across Africa.
“We’ve been grooming and supporting players through the shop, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent,” she said.
The road ahead
With this tournament behind her and the experience of representing Nigeria now under her belt, Mariam Aruna’s journey is only just beginning.
She has the name, the talent, and the support, but more importantly, she has the mindset to forge her own path.
The name Aruna may have opened the door, but Mariam is determined to earn her place at the table, one rally at a time.
