Aruna Backs Eko 2026 To Unearth Nigeria’s Next Generation Of Sports Stars

Africa’s table tennis trailblazer, Quadri Aruna, has thrown his weight behind the maiden National Intermediate Games, Eko 2026, describing the multi-sport festival as a major opportunity to discover and nurture Nigeria’s next generation of sporting talents.

Lagos will host the inaugural Games from October 1 to 15, with more than 15,000 athletes expected from across the country to compete in 28 sports at 10 venues.

The Games are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting development at the grassroots by providing young athletes with an organised platform to compete, gain experience and potentially begin their journey towards national and international stardom.

Aruna gave his endorsement during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in Alausa, Ikeja. The Nigerian star was accompanied by his wife, Ganiat, and their children.

The 37-year-old, who remains the only African table tennis player to have broken into the world’s top 10, said Nigeria could use Eko 2026 to rebuild its sporting fortunes by returning attention to the grassroots.

‘Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory,’ Aruna said, stressing the need to create opportunities for young athletes at the grassroots.

He also acknowledged Lagos State’s contribution to his career, noting the state’s continued support for sports under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to Aruna, the young athletes participating in Eko 2026 should regard the Games not simply as a competition but as an opportunity to learn, develop their abilities and build the character required for success.

‘They should embrace it, give their best, enjoy the experience, and learn as much as possible to succeed in life,’ he said.

Aruna drew from his own remarkable journey to encourage the participants, recalling that he started playing table tennis in Oyo town at the age of seven simply for fun, without imagining that he would eventually become one of the world’s leading players.

‘This event is for all Nigerian youths,’ he said. ‘They must be disciplined, determined, and eager to learn, and believe in themselves. Just as people say ‘Oyo to the World,’ they too can rise from their towns to the world stage.’

Omotoso, who is also Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Eko 2026 Local Organising Committee, said Aruna’s endorsement carried special significance because of the similarities between the table tennis star’s humble beginnings and those of many of the young athletes expected to compete at the Games.

‘His endorsement shows what is possible when you put your mind to something,’ Omotoso said. ‘Aruna himself started just like many of the athletes who will compete. Seeing him encourage them will inspire energy, determination, and purpose.’

He added that Eko 2026 could provide the platform for young Nigerian athletes to follow in the footsteps of established stars and take their talents beyond the country.

‘From the National Intermediate Games, they too can rise to the world stage and showcase their talent,’ Omotoso said.