Nigeria’s table tennis icon, Aruna Quadri saw his bid to reclaim the ITTF Africa Cup, come to an end on Monday night in Benghazi, Libya, after suffering a tense seven-set semifinal defeat to Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa.
The five-time champion fell 4–3 (11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7) at the iconic Al-Nasr Sports, Cultural and Social Club, ending his quest for a record-extending sixth continental title.
Sixth Title Dream Ends in Agony
Aruna entered the 2026 edition determined to reclaim the trophy he lost in 2025 to long-time rival Omar Assar of Egypt.
After storming through the group stage and knockout rounds, expectations were high that the Nigerian star would add another chapter to his decorated continental legacy.
Having already secured qualification for the 2026 ITTF World Cup in Macao, China, Aruna needed just two more wins to lift the trophy again.
However, standing in his way was a resurgent Bouloussa and the Algerian delivered under pressure.
How the Semi-final Game Unfolded
The semifinal lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s most electrifying clashes.
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Bouloussa struck first, taking the opening two sets 11-9 and 11-6.
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Aruna responded with an 11-8 win in the third.
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The Algerian reclaimed momentum by winning the fourth set 11-7.
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Showing championship grit, Aruna bounced back to take the fifth and sixth sets 11-8, 11-8, forcing a decider.
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But in the seventh set, Bouloussa found another gear, sealing it 11-7 to complete the 4-3 upset.
Dominant Run Before the Fall
Before the semifinal heartbreak, Aruna Quadri had been in commanding form.
Quarterfinal Masterclass
He dismantled Egypt’s Badr Mostafa 4-0:
Round of 16 Cruise
Libya’s Habeb Alajaebi proved no match, falling 4-0:
The National Sports Commission had earlier hailed his performance, stating:
“The National Sports Commission commends Aruna’s composure, excellence, and unwavering representation of Team Nigeria as the campaign progresses on the continental stage.”
Despite the semifinal exit, Aruna’s performance secured his place at the 2026 ITTF World Cup, maintaining his presence among the sport’s global elite.
Bouloussa Reacts: ‘Aruna Is a Legend’
After the match, Bouloussa paid glowing tribute to the Nigerian star.
“It felt really good to win a match like this,” Bouloussa said.
“Aruna is a legend of African table tennis.”
“Playing against him is always tough, and this one demanded everything from me.”
He added:
“When you beat a player of Aruna’s calibre, it gives you confidence.”
“Even though we both had already qualified for the World Cup, we wanted to test ourselves at the highest level.”
The Algerian would go on to make history as the first Algerian to reach the Africa Cup final.
Assar Reigns Supreme Again
In the final, Egypt’s Omar Assar reaffirmed his dominance, defeating Bouloussa 4–0 (12–10, 11–8, 11–7, 11–7) to claim his seventh ITTF Africa Cup title.
Assar did not drop a single set throughout the tournament, further cementing his status as Africa’s most decorated male player in the competition’s history.
Aruna’s Continental Legacy
Though denied glory once more, Aruna remains one of Africa’s greatest table tennis ambassadors. His Africa Cup titles came in:
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2009 (Rabat)
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2014 (Lagos)
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2016 (Khartoum)
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2017 (Agadir)
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2024 (Kigali)
The Benghazi exit may sting, but his World Cup qualification ensures the Nigerian star will once again carry Africa’s hopes on the global stage in Macao.
Women’s Event: Goda Extends Dominance
On the women’s side, Egypt’s teenage sensation Hana Goda claimed her fourth Africa Cup crown, defeating nine-time champion Dina Meshref 4–0 (12–10, 11–3, 11–7, 11–9).
