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Lovers of Table Tennis in the have watched these super humans entertain them on the table for years and generations.
Table Tennis is one of those least talked about sports in Nigeria that has nevertheless produced some proud and memorable moments for the country.
Some of the best sportsmen and women from Nigeria has come from Table Tennis with names like Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola, Olajide Omotayo, and Offiong Edem just to name a few.
But who have been the best and greatest players to have played to game of the table game in Nigeria?
Here is a list of five (5) of the greatest Nigerian table tennis players.
5. Olufunke Oshonaike
While many believe she should retire as she is way past her past, Olufunke Oshonaike remains one of Nigeria's best, currently ranked at number 3.
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Born in Lagos, Oshonaike started in the trenches of Somolu and went on to become a veteran of the Olympics having represented Nigeria and Africa at the global showpiece seven (7) times.
Oshonaike has seven (7) gold medals, six (6) silver medals and four (4) medals to her name all from the All African Games.
4. Bose Kaffo
Coming in at number four is another Lagos-born star, Bose Kaffo, who may not be a household name for many.
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Kaffo is a five-time Olympiad, tied with the golden lady herself, Mary Onyali, from Athletics.
Kaffo is a multiple All African Games champion, with seven (7) gold medals to her illustrious name from 1987 to 2008. She is also a mixed double champion with another legendary player, Atanda Musa.
3. Segun Toriola
Born 48 years ago in Ilorin Kwara state, Segun Toriola is clearly one of the best to have played the game not just from Nigeria but Africa.
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Since 1995, he's dominated the Table Tennis scene in the country and remained a dominant force in the continent as well.
The former Nigerian and African number 1 (on multiple occasions) remains one of Nigeria's most decorated in the game. He is also one of just two to have competed at the Olympics seven times.
2. Aruna Quadri
One of the names on this list who needs little or no introduction given his current standing in the game in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
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As Toriola, who used to be his partner in the Men's doubles, Quadri Aruna is the current darling of Table Tennis in Nigeria and Africa.
Currently ranked number 11 in the world, Aruna peaked at number 10 in May, becoming the first and only Africa to gatecrash into the global top 10 ever.
Aruna is also an Olympic quarterfinalist and has set several records including becoming the only African to make it to the last four of WTT Star Contender in Doha, Qatar.
1. Atanda Musa
Before the duo of Aruna and Toriola, Atanda Musa was the biggest shining light in the country's table tennis World.
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Aged 62 (now), Atanda is regarded as one of the greatest (if not the greatest) table tennis star from Nigeria.
He remains one of the most decorated players ever, with multiple Commonwealth gold medals in the singles and mixed doubles events. He is also a 10-time African Singles champion and peaked at number 20 in the world during his prime.
Another worthy mention is Kasali Lasisi, the former national, African, and Commonwealth champion. Lasisi began is journey in 1965 before saying goodbye to the game in 1981. He's also former captain of the national team.
In the Women's singles, Offiong Edem, current number 2 and number one ranked Fatimo Bello, are the ladies holding it down at the moment.
Who did we miss out on but deserves a worthy mention?
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