Nigeria’s table tennis icon, Quadri Aruna, suffered an early exit at the WTT China Smash after losing 3-0 to Denmark’s Anders Lind in the round of 64 on Sunday.

The world number 14, who is Africa’s highest-ranked player, could not find his rhythm against the Dane, with the match ending 12-10, 13-11, 13-11 in straight sets.

Speaking after the game, Aruna admitted it was a tough encounter against an unfamiliar opponent. “It’s the first time I played against him. It’s really hard. The biggest problem was his serve. I think if I were able to put some of the serves a little bit better, probably things might have changed in my favour. But overall, I think I did my best, which is much more important to me,” he told CGTN Sports Scene.

Despite the disappointment, Aruna expressed gratitude to the Chinese fans who cheered him throughout the match. “I must say thanks to all the Chinese fans. They kept me going all the time. They supported me a lot, and I want to say thanks to them,” he said.

The Nigerian star, who reached the round of 32 in the same competition last year, will now turn his attention to the African Championships, scheduled for October 12 to 19 in Tunisia. He is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s 10-player squad at the continental showpiece.

Joining him in the men’s team are Taiwo Mati, Olajide Omotayo, two-time West African champion Matthew Kuti, and emerging youngster Abdulbasit Abdulfatai. On the women’s side, Ajoke Ojomu will captain the team alongside rising players Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan.