Guardian

FOR the third time in three seasons, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri has berthed in the final of the Portuguese table tennis league after inspiring G. D. Toledos to victory over GDSR Juncal in the semi-final tie.

Quadri has played in every final of the league since his debut in the elite Portuguese league three years ago and has failed to lift the trophies at two occasions.

In last weekend’s semi-final tie against Bode Abiodun’s GDSR Juncal, Quadri was the arrowhead of G. D. Toledos when his team won the two-leg clash.

In the first leg it was Quadri, who aided the team to 4-2 away victory against GDSR Juncal in Terceira Island, while the tension soaked second leg also availed Quadri the opportunity to prove his worth when he spearheaded GD Toledos’ triumph at home with a 4-3 win.

The Guardian recalls that Quadri was the centre of attraction when his team claimed the Portuguese Cup, his first title in the European elite league.

Just like what happened last season, Quadri’s team will be facing defending champion, Sporting Club in the two-legged final.

An excited Quadri said, “my team once again qualified for play-off final this season in the Portuguese Super League. Two months ago, I registered my name among the champions in Portugal by winning Portuguese Cup for my team, which is my first ever title since I started featuring in the league.

“I was so happy for winning this and believe more trophies are still coming my way. We have set up another final clash against Sporting Club of Lisbon, which will be coming up next week. I have been playing in the Portuguese league now for three years and I have also played in the play-off final twice without winning, but one of my missions was accomplished this season after we won Portuguese Cup. I am hopeful that the league cup will not elude me again.”