Nigeria, May 24 -- In a contest that carried the weight of history and hope for African table tennis, Nigeria's Quadri Aruna saw his run at the 2025 ITTF World Championships come to an abrupt end on Thursday.

Under the lights of Lusail Arena in Doha, the 36-year-old icon faced Brazil's Hugo Calderano in what was anticipated to be a pulsating fourth-round battle.

Instead, it was a tactical masterclass from Calderano that sent Aruna crashing out in straight sets.

Despite the loss, Aruna's journey continues to underscore his lasting influence on the sport-not just in Nigeria, but across the entire continent.

His achievement in reaching the Round of 16 for a second time at the World Championships reinforces his status as Africa's most dec...