Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti, and Muiz Adegoke were all knocked out in the first round of the men’s singles event at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, after losing their respective matches.
On Sunday, Kuti suffered a straight-sets defeat, 0–4 (1–11, 11–13, 5–11, 5–11), to Poland’s Samuel Kulczycki, while Omotayo fell 1–4 (10–12, 7–11, 8–11, 12–10, 5–11) to Brazil’s Leonardo Iizuka. Adegoke, who levelled after dropping the first set against Belgium’s Adrien Rassenfosse, eventually lost 1–4 due to inexperience and unforced errors.
Aruna Advances in Dominant Fashion
Africa’s top-ranked player and 2024 African Cup champion, Quadri Aruna, recorded a commanding 4–0 (11–9, 11–7, 11–7, 11–9) victory over Brazil’s Victor Ishiy in the men’s singles. He is set to face Norway’s Borgar Haug in the second round.
Mixed Doubles Comeback Victory
In the mixed doubles, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo and Kabirat Ayoola staged a stunning comeback against Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy and Hend Fathy. After losing the first two sets (9–11, 7–11), the Nigerian pair rallied to win the next three (11–6, 12–10, 11–7), clinching a 3–2 victory and securing their place in the next round.
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Udoaka Falls in Women’s Singles
In the women’s singles, Nigeria’s Hope Udoaka was eliminated in straight sets, 0–4 (3–11, 1–11, 6–11, 8–11), by Brazil’s Giulia Takahashi.
Egypt’s Assar Joins Aruna in Round Two
Egyptian star Omar Assar also booked his place in the second round of the men’s singles after defeating Croatia’s Frane Kojic 4–1. Assar, a quarter-finalist in Durban in 2023, dominated with aggressive play, winning 11–7, 9–11, 11–9, 11–5, 11–4 to progress.
He joins Nigeria’s Aruna in flying the African flag in the next round.
