In Tunis, the medical team at the tournament confirmed that the Nigerian had a recurring thigh injury sustained before play began, further examination in Lisbon later revealed that he suffered a hamstring injury in Tunis.

Quadri Aruna has been advised to rest while undergoing treatment.

“I want to thank my family and fans across the world for their support during this trying time. Most importantly the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation for their prompt response when I sustained the injury. The three weeks will help me to recover and I hope to be back for Sporting in the semi-final of the ETTU Cup early next month. Thank you and I will continue to make you proud and always give my 100 percent every time,” Quadri said.

The result of the withdrawal in Tunis means that Quadri Aruna did not gain his place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

There are two options.

He must now look towards the ITTF World Singles Qualification Tournament to be staged in Doha from Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st May in order to gain his place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games from which there will be a minimum of two and a maximum of eight places or gain a place via his position on the May Olympic world ranking.