Aruna leads Africans bright start in French league

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna made a winning start to his French Pro B League campaign with Amiens STT on Tuesday, leading a strong opening night for African players in the competition.

Aruna, making his debut for Amiens, helped the club to a 3-2 victory over Lille Metropole TT before recording a 3-1 win over Iran’s Hossein Hodaei.

The Nigerian, who joined Amiens in May, is expected to play a key role as the club targets promotion to the French top division.

Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa was also instrumental as Courbevoie STT defeated Compiégnois TT 3-2.

In Nantes, Nigerian table tennis legend Segun Toriola combined his role as player-coach with action at the table as Nantes defeated Frejus AMSL 3-1. Toriola featured alongside Egyptian youngster Youssef Abdelaziz and Greek veteran Panagiotis Gionis.

Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo and Taiwo Mati also began their campaign with a victory, although neither player featured as Le Havre ATT defeated Boulogne Billancourt AC 3-1.

Algeria’s Stephane Ouaiche helped Caen TTC to a 3-0 victory over Miramas AS, a result that sent his side to the top of the table.

Meanwhile, compatriot Maheidine Bella’s Proville ASL lost 3-1 to Pontoise-Cergy AS, with Bella’s side taking their only point from the tie.

Benin Republic’s Salifou Abdel-Kader was not included in Compiégnois TT’s lineup as his side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bouloussa’s Courbevoie STT.

Amiens are currently third in the standings, while Caen occupy top spot after the opening round.

Aruna and Amiens will return to action on Tuesday, September 29, when they travel to face Toriola’s Nantes.

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