Quadri Aruna Endorses Eko 2026 to Unearth Nigeria’s Next Generation of Talents

Quadri Aruna, Africa’s top table tennis player and the only African athlete to break into the world’s Top 10, has lent his support to the 1st National Intermediate Games, known as Eko 2026. This inaugural event, taking place from October 1 to 15 in Lagos, will bring together over 15,000 athletes from across Nigeria to compete in 28 sports across 10 venues.

The city, already renowned as Africa’s sports capital, is preparing once again to showcase its ability to host high-caliber competitions. Aruna’s endorsement of the Games came during a visit to Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso. He, his wife Ganiat, and their children were present, visibly excited about the multi-sport extravaganza.

Aruna, speaking with great enthusiasm, highlighted the significance of sports in Nigeria and the potential for the Games to restore the nation’s lost sporting glory. He emphasized the importance of nurturing talent from the grassroots level. Reflecting on Lagos’ role in his own journey, Aruna credited the state’s continuous support for sports under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

For Aruna, the Games present a unique opportunity for young athletes to prove themselves, learn, and grow. He urged the participants to embrace the experience, give their best, enjoy themselves, and learn as much as possible in order to succeed in life. Aruna's words were imbued with personal experience, as he fondly recalled his own beginnings in Oyo town, where he started playing table tennis at the age of seven, playing for fun without imagining he would one day become one of the world’s best players.

“This event is for all Nigerian youths,” he said passionately. “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.” Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who chairs the Media and Publicity Sub‑Committee of the Eko 2026 Local Organizing Committee, described Aruna’s support as symbolic.

He remarked that Aruna’s endorsement demonstrates what is possible when one puts their mind to something. Omotoso added that seeing Aruna encourage the athletes will inspire a sense of energy, determination, and purpose among the competitors. He highlighted that from the National Intermediate Games, these athletes too can rise to the world stage and showcase their talent.