From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna made a strong start to his French Pro B League campaign with Amiens, battling to a 3–2 victory over Lille on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
In his debut, Aruna showed his trademark fighting spirit as he overcame a tense opening match to secure victory and make an immediate impression in the French league.
Despite Amiens’ difficult start, Aruna demonstrated his quality with a commanding 3–1 victory over Iranian player Hossein Hodaei.
His performance highlighted both his technical ability and resilience as he helped justify the confidence placed in him by the club’s management.
Elsewhere, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa was instrumental in Courbevoie STT’s 3–2 victory over Compiégnois TT 1, with his sharp play and leadership setting the tone for his team.
The African presence was also strongly felt in Nantes, where Nigerian table tennis legend Segun Toriola, now serving as a player-coach, guided his side to a 3–1 victory over Frejus AMSL.
Toriola’s experience combined effectively with the youthful energy of Egyptian prodigy Youssef Abdelaziz and the experience of Greek veteran Panagiotis Gionis.
Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo and Taiwo Mati did not feature in Le Havre ATT’s match, but their team secured a 3–1 victory over Boulogne Billancourt AC, giving the duo a winning start to the campaign.
Algeria’s Stephane Ouaiche also impressed as his Caen TTC side recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Miramas AS to move to the top of the league table.
Meanwhile, compatriot Maheidine Bella showed promise with Proville ASL, securing his team’s only point in a 1–3 defeat to Pontoise-Cergy AS.
For Benin Republic’s Salifou Abdel-Kader, it was a difficult outing. He was left out of Compiégnois TT’s lineup as his team suffered a 0–3 defeat to Bouloussa’s Courbevoie STT.
However, the spotlight remains on Aruna following his impressive debut. His arrival has added quality and experience to an Amiens side aiming to fight its way back into the top division.
With Caen currently leading the table and Amiens occupying third position, attention will now turn to Tuesday, September 29, when Amiens travel to face Toriola’s Nantes.
The encounter is expected to provide another major test for Aruna and Amiens as they continue their campaign in the French Pro B League.
