by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF Africa Press Officer

Also the winner in 2017, Quadri Aruna finished ahead of footballer Ahmed Musa and Ike Diogu the captain of the national basketball team captain; both celebrated sporting personalities.

At the glamorous award gala which many local dignitaries attended, unable to be present for the occasion, Quadri Aruna was represented by Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Vice President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation and also the Vice President of the African Table Tennis Federation for the Western Region.

“I am so excited and grateful to my fans across the globe who considered me again for this award. I must also commend the organizers of the award for keeping faith with this award which has continued to inspire Nigerian athletes to aim high in their chosen fields. I want to thank my lovely wife and children for their support and I hope this will spur me on to aim higher in the future.” Quadri Aruna said.

Nigeria’s basketball team captain, Evelyn Akhator was named Sportswoman of the Year award. Ahmed Musa, the country’s most prominent player earlier this year at the FIFA World Cup, emerged as footballer of the year.

The Nigerian Sports Award Gala is the only such event dedicated to recognizing the achievements of the nation’s sportsmen and sportswomen; the efforts and achievements of Quadri Aruna give the sport of table tennis a high profile in the country.