Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri on Monday night emerged as the first African to qualify for the quarter-finals of the men’s single table tennis event at the Olympics.
Quadri defeated his German opponent, Boll Timo, 4-2 to seal a historic berth in the quarter finals of men’s single table tennis event.
The Nigerian ping-ponger won the first three sets 12-10, 12-10 and 12-5.
However, the German star, who is ranked number 10 in Rio, took the 4th set and 5th set 11-3, 11-5.
In a keenly contested 6th set, Quadri held his nerve to win 11-9 and thus entered into the history books as the first African table tennis player to go this far.
Since Quadri recorded the feat, many Nigerians, bome and abroad, have been singing his praises on the internet, especially, on social media platforms.
Coincidentally, today marks the 28th birthday of the Nigerian table tennis player.
Below are some of the birthday messages Nigerians are sending to the rave of the moment:
Happy Birthday Aruna Quadri?. Keep making us proud?? #HBDArunaQuadri
— Shaykha Sahfeeyah (@Sahfeeyah_GCFR) August 9, 2016
It’s Aruna Quadri’s birthday today and Nigeria wishes you a happy birthday as well as success as you compete. pic.twitter.com/Qy7jCAZ118
— Nigeria Olympic Team (@NigeriaOlympic) August 9, 2016
Happy 28th birthday to our Tennis star, Aruna Quadri. He faces World No 1 later today. Goodluck to him. pic.twitter.com/13fh28wQbh
— Steve Dede (@DizSteve) August 9, 2016
Goodluck to Aruna Quadri representing #TeamNigeriaRio2016 in Table Tennis.. Go get that medal dawg!
— David Ibazebo (@dAVEibAZ) August 9, 2016
I believe @IbkSports@eventglamours Aruna Quadri would spring up a surprise. ..
— pacificsammy (@eventglamours) August 9, 2016
Aruna last year also made history as the first African to win International Tennis player of the year award at a ceremony held in Dubai.
The 28-year-old will play against Ma Long of China in the quarterfinals on August 16 at 9:30pm.
Team captain Funke Oshonaike, Offiong Edem and Segun Toriola had earlier sent packing from the tournamen.
