Quadri Aruna Backs Eko 2026 as a Path to Nigeria’s Next Generation of Talent

Quadri Aruna wants young Nigerian athletes to see Eko 2026 as more than a competition. The table tennis star says the inaugural National Intermediate Games can help discover and develop the country’s next generation of talent.

Lagos will host the event from October 1 to 15. More than 15,000 athletes are expected to compete in 28 sports at 10 venues across the city. Aruna voiced his support during a visit to Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso in Alausa, Ikeja.

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Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory.

Aruna said the initiative could bring renewed attention to grassroots sport and give young athletes a route toward their ambitions. “Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory,” he said.

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They must be disciplined, determined, and eager to learn, and believe in themselves.

The 37-year-old is the first and only African male table tennis player to reach the top 10 of the International Table Tennis Federation rankings. He began playing at seven in Oyo town and said he initially treated the sport as recreation, never expecting it to take him to the highest level.

He urged participants to enjoy the experience while learning from it. “They must be disciplined, determined, and eager to learn, and believe in themselves,” Aruna said. “Just as people say ‘Oyo to the World,’ they too can rise from their towns to the world stage.”

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Just as people say ‘Oyo to the World,’ they too can rise from their towns to the world stage.

Omotoso said Aruna’s example could inspire the athletes competing in Lagos. The National Intermediate Games are intended to provide a competitive pathway between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival as young athletes advance in their careers.

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His endorsement shows what is possible when you put your mind to something.