Quadri Aruna

Quadri Aruna Biography: Education, Career, Wife, Cars, House and Net Worth

Quadri Akinade Aruna stands as one of Africa's most celebrated sports icons, a table tennis maestro who has shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it means to be an African athlete on the global stage. Born on August 9, 1988, in Oyo State, Nigeria, Aruna's journey from playing with makeshift rackets on dusty streets to competing against the world's best is nothing short of inspirational. This comprehensive biography explores the life, achievements, and legacy of the man who became the first African to break into the top 10 world rankings in table tennis.

Early Life and Background

Quadri Aruna was born in the ancient town of Oyo, located in southwestern Nigeria. As the youngest child in his family, he grew up in a household led by his mother, Shakirat Aruna, who worked as a teacher. His father managed a hotel business. Growing up as the child of a teacher came with unique pressures, as Nigerian society typically held such children to higher academic standards. Sports were often viewed with skepticism, considered a distraction from scholarly pursuits.

Despite these societal expectations, young Quadri was drawn to table tennis from an early age. His introduction to the sport began when he accompanied his older brother, Femi, who was also a player, to the local table tennis hall in Oyo. The hall was conveniently located just 100 meters from their house, and Quadri would often peek through the doors to watch the players in action.

Education

Quadri attended Oba Adeyemi High School in Oyo State, Nigeria, where he represented the school, Oyo East Local Government Area and Oyo State at various table tennis competitions. He started his primary education at LA School New Durban before proceeding to Oba Adeyemi Grammar School in Oyo Town. Throughout his educational journey, Quadri managed to balance his academic responsibilities with his growing passion for table tennis, a feat made possible by the understanding of his mother and the guidance of his coaches.

The Humble Beginnings

Before discovering his talent at a proper table tennis facility, Quadri and his friends played the sport on the streets of Oyo. They would paint white table tennis lines on the ground and use rackets fashioned from asbestos roofing materials. These humble beginnings would later shape his character and inspire his commitment to giving back to aspiring young players.

A former player turned coach, Abolarin Oluwole, discovered Quadri Aruna around 1998 when he used to accompany his senior brother, Femi, to the table tennis hall in Oyo. Oluwole, who was then an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan, noticed the young boy's keen interest in the sport and began inviting him to play. However, before training him formally, Oluwole had to obtain permission from Quadri's mother, who insisted that her son must not neglect his studies.

Another early mentor, Isa Ayoola, a table tennis coach in Oyo Town, recalled that while he never imagined Quadri would reach such heights, he recognized the young player's determination from the start. Whenever Quadri lost a match, he would seek out older players to review his performance and learn from his mistakes.

Professional Career

Breaking Through (2012-2014)

Quadri's professional breakthrough began in 2000 when he won a national cadet tournament, which helped convince his parents about the viability of his table tennis career. By 2012, he had progressed enough to represent Nigeria at the Summer Olympics in London, where he defeated Carlos Machado of Spain before losing to Bora Vang of Turkey in the second round.

In 2014, Quadri reached a significant milestone when he was ranked 30th in world table tennis. That same year, the International Table Tennis Federation named him the Star Player of the Year. At the World Cup 2014, he reached the quarter-finals in the Men's Singles competition. He was also part of the Nigerian team that won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Historic Rio 2016 Olympics

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro marked the pinnacle of Quadri Aruna's career to date. Aruna entered the Men's Singles event as seed number 27 and defeated Slovakian player Wang Yang (4-1) in the first round.

In the second round, he faced Chuang Chih-yuan, the number 5 seed and a four-time World Tour Champion. In what many consider one of the tournament's biggest upsets, Aruna defeated Chuang without losing a single set, winning 4-0. His unorthodox playing style left the experienced player frustrated and unable to execute his signature forehand attacks.

The victory set up a third-round clash with German legend Timo Boll, one of the most respected names in table tennis. Incredibly, Aruna won the match 4-2, securing his place in the quarter-finals on his birthday. The victory was sweet not just for the result but for the timing and the caliber of opponent he had overcome.

In the quarter-finals, Aruna faced Ma Long, the number one seed and eventual gold medalist. Although Ma Long dominated with his fast, looping attacks and lightning pace, sweeping Aruna 4-0, the Nigerian had already made history. He was the only African competitor to reach the fourth round, and his performance earned him widespread acclaim.

Continued Excellence (2017-2020)

In 2017, Aruna competed in the ITTF World Challenge Bulgaria Open, advancing to the semi-finals where he was defeated by eventual winner Dimitrij Ovtcharov in a tight match. That same year, he triumphed at the ITTF African Cup, defeating his long-time rival Omar Assar 4-3 in a thrilling final to become the 2017 African Cup Champion.

The rivalry between Aruna and Egypt's Omar Assar became a defining feature of African table tennis, symbolizing the broader competition for continental supremacy between Nigeria and Egypt. In 2018, Assar gained revenge in the African Cup finals, defeating Aruna 4-3 in another closely contested match that went down to the final point.

In 2018, he was declared as Africa's most successful Olympic table tennis player of all time by the Olympics in an article. That same year, Aruna won the Outstanding Sportsman of the Year award at the 2018 Nigerian Sports Award.

In 2019, Aruna won the Nigeria Open men's singles title, adding to his growing collection of domestic and international honors.

Tokyo 2020 and Recent Achievements

Aruna competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and was honored as a flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony. In the Men's Singles competition, he lost 4-2 to Brazil's Gustavo Tsuboi in the third round.

In 2021, he reached the quarter-finals of the WTT Contender event at WTT Doha, where he lost 3-1 to Lin Yun-Ju after saving four match points and nearly mounting a comeback. He also reached the quarter-finals of the World Table Tennis Championships in Houston but lost 2-4 to Sweden's Truls Möregårdh.

Most recently, in 2022, Aruna achieved a career milestone by reaching world ranking number 10, becoming the first African player to break into the top 10 in the world rankings. In 2025, he won the WTT Star Contender Doha, continuing his impressive run on the international circuit.

Club Career

At the club level, Aruna has enjoyed considerable success. He has won five Portuguese Superliga titles and currently plays for TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, a top club in the German Bundesliga Table Tennis league. He is a Gewo-sponsored player and is known for his forehand-oriented playing style, which has earned him numerous victories throughout his career.

Playing Style and Equipment

Aruna is renowned for his right-handed shakehand grip and forehand-based attacking style. His unorthodox approach to the game has proven to be a significant advantage, often frustrating opponents who struggle to adapt to his unique techniques. This playing style enables him to generate numerous winners and has been instrumental in his success against higher-ranked opponents.

He uses the Nexxus EL Pro 53 Hard paddle at maximum thickness, which complements his aggressive, forehand-dominant game. His never-say-die attitude and mental toughness have enabled him to secure memorable victories against formidable opponents.

Personal Life: Wife and Family

Quadri is married to Aruna Olateju Ganiyat, another table tennis player, and they have three children. His wife is not only a former national table tennis player but also serves as a coach, making their household a table tennis dynasty in the making.

The couple met at the ANOCA Games and later at the national camp as they both prepared for the Commonwealth Games. Their shared passion for table tennis has created a unique family environment where the sport is woven into the fabric of daily life.

Building a Legacy Through Children

Quadri and Ganiyat are now building a lasting legacy in table tennis through their three children: Mariam, Aruna Junior, and Amirah. All three are following in their parents' footsteps and showing early signs of excellence in the sport.

In a remarkable display of the family's talent, both father and children produced incredible performances on the same night in 2025. While Aruna senior reached the semi-finals at the World Table Tennis Contender in Doha, his three children, guided by their mother, made podium appearances at the VIX Joao Monteiro Table Tennis Tournament in Portugal. Mariam won silver in the Under-15 Girls' event, Aruna Junior secured silver in the Boys' Under-11 category, and the youngest, Amirah, proudly won bronze in the Under-11 Girls' event.

Cars and Lifestyle

While specific details about Quadri Aruna's car collection and houses remain private, as he tends to keep his personal assets away from the public eye, his estimated annual salary ranges between $1 million and $3 million from his professional table tennis career, club contracts, and sponsorships. This substantial income reflects his status as one of the sport's elite performers.

As a professional athlete competing at the highest level in Europe and representing Nigeria internationally, Aruna maintains a lifestyle that allows him to train optimally while supporting his family. He splits his time between Nigeria and Europe, where he competes in the German Bundesliga.

Net Worth

Quadri Aruna has an estimated net worth of USD 1.5 million. His wealth comes from multiple sources including his salary as a professional table tennis player, prize money from tournaments, sponsorship deals with companies like Gewo, and his club contracts in the German Bundesliga. His success on the international stage has made him one of Nigeria's highest-earning table tennis players.

Various sources estimate his net worth to range between $1 million and $5 million, with the most consistent figure being around $1.5 million as of 2024-2025. His income continues to grow as he remains active on the professional circuit and maintains his position as one of the world's top-ranked players.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

Despite his success and financial achievements, Aruna has remained remarkably grounded and committed to giving back to his community. His mother, Shakirat Aruna, has spoken about his generous nature, noting that he annually supports people in Oyo during festive periods. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he supported many families with palliatives.

Apart from supporting his family, Quadri also extends his generosity to junior players across the country with over 20 of them being supported by the Oyo State-born athlete. He also supports the Save Our Souls (SOS) Homes and Children's Hospice in Lagos with food items and household goods.

Abolarin Oluwole, his early coach, noted that Aruna now kits more than 12 budding players in Oyo town alone, providing them with equipment and training opportunities. In 2021, Eko Club and his Aruna Sports Club and Academy hosted a one-day under-15 tournament in Lagos, with 32 competing players, including four Oyo State-based players he sponsored for the tournament.

Aruna has stated that helping young players would help the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation discover young talents and raise the sport's profile. He has become an ambassador for table tennis, working to discover, inspire, and nurture younger players by providing them with equipment and training camps so they don't have to struggle as he did at the beginning of his career.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his illustrious career, Quadri Aruna has accumulated numerous awards and honors:

2014: Named Star Player of the Year by the International Table Tennis Federation
2014: Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games (Team event)
2017: African Cup Champion
2018: Named Africa's most successful Olympic table tennis player of all time
2018: Outstanding Sportsman of the Year at the Nigerian Sports Award
2019: Nigeria Open men's singles champion
2022: African Champion (multiple events in singles and doubles)
2022: First African to be ranked in the top 10 world rankings

He is also a seven-time African champion, having won three doubles titles, twice in singles, and multiple team event victories across various African Championships from 2007 to 2022.

Impact on African Table Tennis

Quadri Aruna's impact on African table tennis cannot be overstated. He shattered the perception that African players couldn't compete at the highest levels of the sport. By reaching the quarter-finals at the Olympics and breaking into the top 10 world rankings, he opened doors for future generations of African players.

His rivalry with Omar Assar elevated the profile of African table tennis and sparked greater interest in the sport across the continent. The Nigeria-Egypt rivalry in table tennis has become one of the most compelling storylines in African sports, with both countries producing world-class players over the past decade.

As captain of the Nigeria Table Tennis team, Aruna continues to lead by example, mentoring younger players and representing his country with distinction at every opportunity. His humble nature, graceful play, and heartfelt acknowledgment of crowds even in difficult moments have made him a fan favorite both within and outside Africa.

Legacy and Influence

Quadri Aruna represents more than just athletic excellence. His journey from painting table tennis lines on dusty streets and using rackets made from asbestos roofing to competing on the world's biggest stages embodies the power of determination, hard work, and unwavering belief in one's abilities.

His mother, Shakirat, has described him as a helper who has become the family's breadwinner since moving to Europe. His success has not only transformed his own life but has also positively impacted his entire family and community.

Aruna remains conscious of the impact he can have on people's lives worldwide. In his own words, he ensures he remains positive and a good ambassador for his country wherever he goes. He refuses to be carried away by his profile, remaining humble and focused on maintaining his status in global rankings while continuing to compete in major competitions.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of 2025, at 37 years old, Quadri Aruna remains at the peak of his powers, continuing to compete at the highest level of professional table tennis. His recent victory at the WTT Star Contender Doha demonstrates that he still possesses the skills and competitive fire that have defined his career.

With his children now emerging as promising talents in their own right, the Aruna family looks set to dominate African table tennis for years to come. Quadri's legacy extends beyond his personal achievements to the dynasty he is building and the countless young players he continues to inspire and support.

Conclusion

Quadri Aruna's story is one of perseverance, talent, and unwavering dedication. From humble beginnings in Oyo State to the pinnacle of world table tennis, he has remained grounded, generous, and committed to excellence. He is not just Nigeria's greatest table tennis player but also one of Africa's most inspirational sports figures.

His achievements on the table have opened doors for African athletes in a sport long dominated by European and Asian players. Off the table, his philanthropy and commitment to developing the next generation ensure that his impact will be felt for decades to come.

As he continues to compete at the highest level while building a table tennis dynasty with his family, Quadri Aruna's legacy as a pioneer, champion, and role model is firmly cemented in the annals of African sports history. His journey reminds us that with determination, hard work, and the right support, any dream is achievable, regardless of where you start.