By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s table tennis sensation Quadri Aruna is out of the ongoing 2025 ITTF World Championships after suffering defeat by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in the men’s singles clash in Doha, Qatar.
Billed as one of the tournament’s marquee matchups, the contest fell short of expectations, with Calderano displaying outright dominance from start to finish.
The South American star cruised to a commanding 4–0 (11–4, 11–4, 11–4, 11–6) victory to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Tactically astute, Calderano effectively neutralised Aruna’s powerful forehand—his most dangerous weapon—by forcing the Nigerian into backhand exchanges, which proved largely ineffective.
Despite strategic input and encouragement from his coaching corner, Aruna struggled to find rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors that further tilted momentum towards his opponent.
The 22-minute encounter showcased Calderano’s elite technique, including his blistering backhand and explosive forehand topspin, which consistently earned him points.
Despite the loss, Aruna continues to make history.
At 36, he remains a trailblazer for African table tennis.
He became the first African to reach the round of 16 at the ITTF World Championships twice, following his quarter-final appearance at the 2021 edition in Houston, USA.
In Doha, he was the only African to finish in the top 16, further cementing his legacy.
