Nigerian Star Closes Year at World No. 28 in Final ITTF Rankings.

Aruna Quadri ITTF ranking 2025

Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri has capped off 2025 in style, retaining his position as Africa’s No. 1 table tennis player in the final yearly rankings published by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Tuesday, December 31.

The 37-year-old closed the season ranked 28th globally with 1,065 points – the only African player to break the 1,000-point barrier. Egypt’s Omar Assar trails as continental runner-up at world No. 32 with 965 points.

Quadri’s consistency shone through a gruelling schedule:

  • Runner-up at the ITTF African Cup in Tunis (350 points)
  • Semi-finals at WTT Star Contender Doha
  • Last 16 at the World Table Tennis Championships Finals (also Doha)
  • Strong showings in elite events like Singapore Smash, US Smash, and multiple WTT Champions/Contender tournaments across Asia and Europe

Globally, China dominates with Wang Chuqin No. 1 and Lin Shidong No. 2, while Brazil’s Hugo Calderano holds third as the top non-Asian.

A three-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020) who reached the quarter-finals in Rio, Quadri made history in 2022 as the first African in the world top 10. His accolades include ITTF Star Player of the Year (2014), Commonwealth bronze, and recognition as Africa’s most successful Olympic table tennis player.

Longevity, consistency, and trailblazing – Aruna Quadri remains the pride of African table tennis. Here’s to more in 2026!