by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

A great deal has happened to Quadri Aruna since that time, a quarter-final place in the Liebherr 2014 Men’s World Cup, the same finish in the Men’s Singles event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Now,, a valued member of the French club, Jura Morez, during the recent 2016-2017 season, he returns to Morocco, not to Rabat but to Agadir; Quadri Aruna will compete in the 2017 ITTF-Africa Cup; a three day tournament, play commences on Saturday 1st July.

He spoke to Olalekan Okusan, the ITTF-Africa Press Officer.

The ITTF Africa Cup is another challenge that I am looking forward to and I am preparing very well.

I know it is not going to be easy and I know it is very possible to win again in Morocco having won my first continental there in 2009. Now my club matches are over in the French l#League, I have enough time to prepare. I am training now more than before and I believe it is going to be a fantastic tournament. I am eagerly looking forward to give my best and represent Nigeria well.

The greatest threat to my ambition in Morocco is not only Omar Assar because there is always quarter-final, semi-final and final. I think all the Egyptian players are threats to my ambition in Morocco and I am going to take it one match at a time.

All players are very important to me and giving all the attention to Omar Assar alone will not allow me to lack focus on other players. I must remain focused and consider other participants as well; this is more important to me as I am getting ready for all the participants in the competition.