Nigerian legend Aruna Quadri joins Saudi train, signs with Al-Khaleej

Nigeria’s table tennis legend and African champion Aruna Quadri has joined the bandwagon of sportspeople to move to Saudi Arabia, as he has joined Saudi club Al-Khaleej.

Veteran player Quadri was last attached to Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg in Russia, having joined the club in January. He has, however, chosen to leave shortly after defending his senior African title at the ITTF Africa Cup against Egyptian star Ahmed Saleh.

The 35-year-old, who has fallen to 16th place in the world rankings, joins Al-Khaleej, where he will hope to feature prominently over the next two years. This adds Saudi Arabia to his impressive CV that has already seen him play for clubs in France and Portugal.

Aruna Quadri has been joined in Saudi Arabia by long-time rival, Egyptian star Omar Assar, who joined Al-Ittihad recently. Both men will continue their rivalry in the oil-rich country.

Quadri becomes the latest Nigerian athlete to move to the country after footballers Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Ashleigh Plumptre and Saviour Godwin in the last few months.