As the draws for the table tennis event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna is poised for a strong start.

Based on his current world ranking, Aruna is expected to receive a bye in the first round of the men’s singles event, commencing his campaign from the second round.

Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar are among the top 16 seeds for this year’s competition.

Aruna, who made history as the first African to reach the quarter-finals of the table tennis event at the Rio 2016 Olympics, is currently ranked 19th in the world.

Assar, the second African to reach the quarter-finals, is ranked 22nd.

According to the Africa Table Tennis Federation, the official seedings for the Games will be determined by the July 16 ITTF world rankings.

Both Aruna and Assar are expected to start their matches from the second round (round of 64) on July 28 at the South Paris Arena.

All eyes will be on Aruna, making his fourth Olympic appearance, as he aims for a podium finish in Paris.

Joining him in the men’s singles event is fellow Nigerian Olajide Omotayo.

In the women’s singles, Nigeria will be represented by Offiong Edem and Fatimo Bello.

Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou and Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi complete the continent’s contingent, ensuring a strong African presence in the competition.