EKO 2026 to Restore Nigeria’s Lost Glory in Sports – Aruna

Africa’s table tennis trailblazer, Quadri Aruna, says the maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged ‘EKO 2026’, is an opportunity to rediscover Nigeria’s lost glory in sports.
Aruna, the only African player to break into the world’s top 10 in table tennis, said the initiative was more than a competition.
This was contained in a statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Games, issued to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Omotoso a member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) said Aruna described the initiative a pathway to uncovering and nurturing young talents cut across all sports.
The Games will hold in Lagos from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, with more than 15,000 athletes from the 36 states and the FCT, expected to participate.
The athletes would compete in 28 sports across 10 venues in Lagos.
He said Aruna stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to his office, accompanied by his wife, Ganiat and their children.
Omotoso, also the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos, noted that Aruna expressed enthusiasm about the multi-sport event.
“Sports in Nigeria has faced challenges, but this initiative is the best way to restore our lost glory, stressing the importance of returning to the grassroots,” he quoted Aruna as saying.
Omotoso said Aruna also reflected on the role Lagos had played in his career, stressing the state’s consistent support for sports under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“EKO 2026 provides a golden opportunity for young athletes to test themselves, learn and develop their abilities.
“They should embrace it, give their best, enjoy the experience and learn as much as possible to succeed in life,”Omotoso further quoted Aruna.
He said Aruna also recalled his humble beginning in Oyo town, where he first picked up a racket at the age of seven.
According to him, the table tennis star played for fun without imagining that he will one day become one of the world’s best players.
“This event is for all Nigerian youths.
“They must be disciplined, determined and eager to learn and believe in themselves.
“Just as people say ‘Oyo to the World,’ they too can rise from their towns to the world stage.” he said.
Omotoso described Aruna’s endorsement as symbolic.
“His endorsement shows what is possible when you put your mind to something,” Omotoso said.
He said Aruna started like many of the athletes who would participate in the Games, adding that his encouragement would inspire the young athletes.
“Seeing him encourage them will inspire energy, determination and purpose.
“From the National Intermediate Games, they too can rise to the world stage and showcase their talent,” he said.