by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

A former Nigeria junior international, Ganiyat was a proud lady and a proud Nigerian.

“My husband promised and delivered, I am so excited; this is a promise fulfilled. I am proud of him.” Ganiyat Aruna

A mother of three, she recognised the invaluable support of the Quadri Aruna Fan Club; especially in the final against Antoine Hachard.

“The French player was good. It was indeed a tough game but cheers coming from the fans and spectators went a long way to help in his victory.” Ganiyat Aruna

Notably some of the fans were kitted out in Quadri Aruna printed shirts.

“I trained very hard before the tournament to ensure that I didn’t disappoint my fans. It would have been annoying and disappointing if I failed my fans that have come from far and wide to support me during this tournament. You can see their attitude all through the match. They did not relent in their effort to spur me even when I lost points, they kept supporting me and that means a lot to me. With all the support that I got today from the fans, this title is for them because they kept on supporting me all through.” Quadri Aruna

Furthermore, for Quadri Aruna, it was third time successful; earlier this year he had been beaten by Omar Assar in the final of the ITTF-Africa Cup and by Singapore’s Gao Ning at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“It means it is God that has made this victory possible not because that I am better. It is because God just favoured me and today I am very happy that I did not disappoint; this year, I have played already in three finals and I lost two, that is the African final and the Commonwealth Games but tonight, which is the third final, I am happy that I finally won a final match. Antoine Hachard is a very good player.” Quadri Aruna

Defeat in two finals this year and in 2015 it was defeat in the title decider in Lagos when losing to Omar Assar; three years later it was the sweet taste of success, a second ITTF Challenge Series title, last year Quadri Aruna won in Poland.

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2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open: Newsletter (Thursday 9th August)

2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open: Newsletter (Friday 10th August)

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2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open: Newsletter (Sunday 12th August)