Aruna’s losing streak sparks debate over his future in table tennis
Quadri Aruna has suffered his ninth consecutive defeat on the global stage, prompting renewed calls for his retirement from elite table tennis. The Nigerian star lost in straight sets to Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar at the ITTF World Cup in Macao, extending a winless run that dates back to his last victory in September 2025. Analysts and sports journalists are divided, citing age, injuries, and the evolving sport as reasons for his decline. Despite his struggles, Aruna remains one of Africa’s most decorated players and a key figure in Nigerian table tennis.
Match highlights
- Quadri Aruna lost 3-0 to Tomislav Pucar in his Group 6 opener at the ITTF World Cup in Macao.
- The defeat marks his ninth straight loss on the global stage, with his last win coming in September 2025 against Huang Youzheng.
- Analysts attribute his struggles to a combination of age, recurring injuries, and the changing nature of the sport.
- Some experts believe Aruna should retire and focus on mentoring future Nigerian table tennis stars, while others note his continued dominance in Africa.
- With only group winners advancing, Aruna faces a tough challenge to qualify for the knockout stage, making his next match crucial for his career.
