People

**Aruna Quadri: Nigerian Table Tennis Champion** Quadri Akinade Aruna, widely known as Aruna Quadri, or by his nicknames "Rocky Aruna" or "Quadri Balboa," is a highly celebrated Nigerian professional table tennis player. He is recognized as one of the most prominent athletes in African table tennis history, having achieved multiple continental titles and becoming the first African player to be ranked in the world's top 10. **Early Life and Education** Aruna Quadri was born on August 9, 1988, in Ojo, Oyo, Nigeria. His early life involved a strong focus on both academics and sports. He attended LA School New Durban for his primary education before proceeding to Oba Adeyemi Grammar School in Oyo Town. During his time at Oba Adeyemi High School, Aruna began to represent his school, the Oyo East Local Government Area, and Oyo State in various table tennis competitions, setting the foundation for his professional career. He is married to fellow table tennis player Aruna Olateju Ganiyat, and they have three children. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Aruna's career saw him rise from a formidable national player to a global contender. He is known for his aggressive, attacking playing style. A pivotal moment in his career was his performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he entered as seed number 27. He became the first African player to reach the quarter-finals of the men's singles event at the Olympic Games, solidifying his status on the international stage. Aruna Quadri is a dominant force in African table tennis, holding seven African Championship titles, including twice in singles, three times in doubles, and twice in team events. He has also competed in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics. On the professional circuit, he has secured three singles titles and one doubles title. **Notable Milestones and Rankings** A significant career milestone occurred in May 2022 when Aruna Quadri reached his highest world ranking of number 10, making history as the first player from Africa to achieve a top 10 world ranking in table tennis. His professional club affiliation is with Gazprom Fakel Orenburg. **Current Status** As of July 2025, Aruna Quadri maintains a high position in the world rankings (currently 24) and continues to actively represent Nigeria in major international competitions, including the African Games and the ITTF World Tour events. He remains a key figure in promoting the sport in Nigeria and across the African continent.

40K+ followers

Chimezie Chukwudum Metu (born March 22, 1997) is a professional basketball player who holds both Nigerian and American nationality. He is recognized for his college career with the USC Trojans and his subsequent professional career in the NBA and international leagues. **Early Life and Education** Chimezie Metu was born on March 22, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. He attended Lawndale High School in Lawndale, California, where he was a highly regarded four-star recruit. In 2014, Metu committed to the University of Southern California (USC), where he played college basketball for the USC Trojans from 2015 to 2018. **Career Progression and Notable Works** Metu began his professional career after being selected in the 2018 NBA Draft. He was the 49th pick, chosen in the second round. His NBA debut was in 2018 with the San Antonio Spurs. As of the retrieved information, he last played for FC Barcelona in Spain. **Current Status** Metu holds dual Nigerian and American nationality and is listed at 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) and 225 lb (102 kg). He is a free agent as of the most recent information.

180K+ followers

Ese Brume is a highly decorated Nigerian track and field athlete who specializes in the long jump. She is recognized globally for her significant achievements, including two World Championships medals and an Olympic medal, establishing herself as one of Africa's most successful long jumpers. Early Life and Career Emergence Ese Brume was born in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria. She first gained national attention at the 2012 Nigerian Athletics Championships. She initially competed in the triple jump as a junior athlete before focusing on the long jump event where she achieved rapid success. Career Progression and Major Achievements Brume's senior international career took off in 2014 when she won the gold medal in the long jump at the Commonwealth Games. This was followed by multiple victories at the African Championships in Athletics, securing three consecutive long jump titles, a feat that makes her the only athlete to do so. She is also a five-time African junior champion. A pivotal moment in her career came in 2019 when she won the bronze medal in the long jump at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, with a jump of 6.91 m. This medal was Nigeria's only medal at the competition and the nation's first since 2013. Olympic and World Stage Success Brume continued her success on the global stage, earning a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (held in 2021) with a jump of 6.97 m. She is the first African athlete to win two long jump medals at the World Athletics Championships. In 2022, Brume achieved the silver medal at both the World Indoor Championships and the World Championships. That same year, she became the first African woman in history to record four legal jumps over 7.00m, marking her jump of 7.05 m as the second-best African performance in history at the time. She holds the African record in the long jump with a distance of 7.17m, achieved on May 29, 2021. Current Status Ese Brume remains an active and influential figure in Nigerian and international athletics, continuing to train and compete at the highest levels, including the 2024 African Championships in Athletics where she continued to add to her title collection.

200K+ followers

**Funke Oshonaike: Nigerian Table Tennis Legend** Olufunke Oshonaike is a Nigerian professional table tennis player, widely regarded as one of Africa's most decorated athletes in the sport. Her career is distinguished by her longevity, competitive spirit, and record-breaking participation in the Olympic Games, solidifying her status as an iconic figure in Nigerian and African sports. **Early Life and Education** Oshonaike began her table tennis journey at a very young age in the early 1980s, starting on Akeju Street in Shomolu, Lagos, Nigeria. She attended Community Primary School (now Ola-Olu Primary School, Agunbiade, Shomolu, Lagos), where her talent was first formally recognized after winning a school competition in Primary 4. Driven by her passion for the sport, she rose through the local ranks before moving abroad to further her career and training. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Oshonaike's professional career began to take shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She dominated the African table tennis scene, winning numerous titles across the continent. Her major international breakthrough came through her consistent performance at continental and global events. A defining aspect of her career is her unprecedented participation in the Olympic Games. She is the first African woman across all sports to compete in seven Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020/2021). This achievement makes her one of the most enduring athletes in the history of the sport globally. Her major achievements include: * **African Games (All-Africa Games):** She has been a consistent medalist, including winning the Women's Singles gold medal at the 1995 All-Africa Games in Harare, Zimbabwe. * **African Championships:** She has secured multiple titles, establishing her as the premier female player in Africa for decades. * **Olympic Games Flagbearer:** She had the distinguished honor of being Nigeria's flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.**Notable Works and Impact** Beyond her athletic achievements, Funke Oshonaike is a role model and mentor. She has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports and to inspire young African athletes. She is known for her resilience and dedication, maintaining a high level of performance late into her career despite minimal institutional support, often competing against much younger players. Her memoir, *Funke Oshonaike: The Nigerian Table Tennis Queen*, details her journey and challenges. **Current Status** Funke Oshonaike is currently based in Germany, where she continues to be actively involved in table tennis, both as a player and a coach. Although her competitive appearances have become selective, she remains a prominent figure in the international table tennis community. She continues her work as a motivational speaker and mentor, focusing on empowering the next generation of African athletes and promoting the development of table tennis in Nigeria.

20K+ followers

Hidilyn Francisco Diaz OLY (born February 20, 1991) is a professional weightlifter and educator from the Philippines. She is widely recognized for making history as the first Filipino athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, achieving this feat in the women's 55 kg category at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She also holds the Olympic records for the 55 kg division in the clean and jerk (127 kg) and in the total weight lifted (224 kg). Diaz is a Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Air Force, serving since 2013.Early Life and Education Hidilyn Diaz was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines, and is the fifth of six children of Eduardo and Emelita Diaz. She attended Zamboanga A.E. Colleges (later Universidad de Zamboanga; UZ) for her high school studies under a scholarship. Her cousin, Allen Jayfrus Diaz, introduced her to the basics of weightlifting. In college, she initially pursued a bachelor's degree in computer science at UZ. In January 2017, she received a scholarship and went on to study business management (BBA) at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.Career Progression and Major Achievements Diaz's competitive career began early, and she was selected as a wild card entry to the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics by the Philippine Weightlifting Association. She continued to represent the Philippines at the 2012 Summer Olympics. A significant breakthrough came during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she won a silver medal in the women's 53 kg division, ending the Philippines' 20-year Olympic medal drought. In 2018, Diaz achieved another milestone by winning the gold medal in the women's 53 kg event at the Asian Games. Her total lift of 207 kg secured the Philippines' first gold medal in the 2018 games, making her the first Filipino weightlifter of any gender to win an Asian Games gold. Her highest achievement came at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics (held in 2021), where she competed in the women's 55 kg event. Diaz lifted a clean and jerk weight of 127 kg and a total of 224 kg, both Olympic records, to secure the Philippines' inaugural Olympic gold medal. Other notable achievements include a silver medal at the 2019 Asian Championship, a gold medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, and a gold medal in the women's 55 kg event at the Roma 2020 World Cup. In 2023, she made her competitive debut in the 59 kg division at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in South Korea, placing 4th.Current Status Hidilyn Diaz continues her career as a professional weightlifter and is also an educator. She is married to Julius Naranjo, whom she wed in 2022. She remains an active member of the Philippine Air Force, holding the rank of Second Lieutenant. Her military service includes being part of the Air Force Special Service Group, PAF Personnel Management Center, and the 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force Civil-Military Operations Group.

350K+ followers

Nadia Eke is a Ghanaian track and field athlete specializing in the triple jump. She is recognized as the Ghanaian national record holder in the triple jump and is a prominent figure in African athletics. **Early Life and Education** Nadia Eke was born on January 11, 1993, in Accra, Ghana. For her higher education, she attended Columbia University, where she studied and competed as a collegiate athlete. She graduated in 2015. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Eke's career is marked by numerous national and continental achievements in the triple jump. During her time at Columbia University (2011–2015), she was a four-time NCAA All-American, a three-time USTFCCCA First Team All-American, and a ten-time Ivy League champion. Her highest national collegiate finish was third place at the 2015 Indoor NCAA Championships. Representing Ghana, Eke has achieved significant international success, particularly at the African Athletics Continental level. She earned three consecutive medals, including a Bronze in 2014 and a Silver in 2015, before achieving her major breakthrough by winning the Gold medal and becoming the African Champion in 2016. In 2017, she was named Ghana's Female Athlete of the Year by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana. Eke holds the Ghanaian national record in the triple jump with a personal best of 14.33 meters. **Notable Works and Current Status** Nadia Eke has also competed on the global stage, including participating in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. While she recorded no mark at the Olympics, her national record of 14.33 meters remains a testament to her athletic capability. She has also spent time coaching, having served as an Assistant Track and Field coach at New York University (NYU) from 2016–2017 and at Columbia University from 2015–2016. Eke also competes in the long jump, with a personal best of 6.17 meters.

220K+ followers

Ngozi Okobi-Okeghene (born December 14, 1993) is a prominent Nigerian professional football (soccer) player who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder or winger. She is celebrated for her speed, technical skills, and vision on the field, and has been a long-standing member of the Nigeria women's national football team, the Super Falcons. Early Life and Education Ngozi Okobi was born in Nigeria. Her passion for football developed at a young age, leading her to pursue the sport professionally. Details regarding her formal education are generally less publicized compared to her sports career, as is common for many athletes who begin their professional careers early. Career Progression Okobi began her senior club career in Nigeria before moving abroad. She notably played for Delta Queens in the Nigerian Women Premier League. Her international career started early, as she represented Nigeria at various youth levels. She was part of the squad that competed in the 2008 and 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cups, and the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Her senior international debut for the Super Falcons came in 2010. She quickly established herself as a key attacking force for the national team. Her club career continued to develop with moves to international teams, including the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States and various clubs in Sweden. In Sweden, she played for Eskilstuna United DFF and later transferred to Vittsjö GIK in the Damallsvenskan (top Swedish league), where she spent several seasons. Major Achievements and Notable Works Okobi's career is marked by success at the continental level with the Super Falcons. She has been an integral part of Nigeria’s dominance in the African Women’s Championship (now the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON), winning the tournament multiple times (notably in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018). On the global stage, she has represented Nigeria at three FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: 2011, 2015, and 2019. In the 2015 World Cup, she scored her first World Cup goal against Sweden, a performance that highlighted her quality on the international stage. Current Status As of her most recent appearances, Ngozi Okobi-Okeghene remains an active professional footballer. She continues to contribute her experience to her club commitments and is available for selection to the Nigeria national team, aiming to help the Super Falcons maintain their position as a leading force in African football and compete strongly in global competitions.

200K+ followers

Stanley Okoronkwo is a Nigerian professional footballer known primarily for his role as a forward. He is regarded as a promising talent in Nigerian football, having played at various levels of professional leagues in Africa and Europe. Early Life and Education Stanley Okoronkwo was born in Nigeria. Details regarding his exact date and place of birth are typically maintained privately within his official team records. Like many Nigerian footballers, his early life involved developing his skills on local pitches before gaining entry into structured academies. His formal education background is not widely publicized, as his career focus shifted to professional football at a young age. Career Progression Okoronkwo's professional journey began in Nigeria, where his potential was identified by scouts. He often represented Nigerian youth teams before moving abroad to pursue his club career. His career progression has included spells with clubs across different continents. Notably, he has played for teams in the Nigerian Premier League, followed by moves to European and possibly Asian leagues. These moves often involved signing short-term contracts or loan deals, allowing him to gain varied experience in competitive environments. He is recognized for his pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring aptitude, which typically position him as an asset in the attacking third. Major Achievements and Notable Works While official records often highlight club statistics, Okoronkwo is perhaps most recognizable for his contributions to the Nigerian national youth teams, such as the U-17 or U-20 squads, during international tournaments. Playing at this level is considered a significant achievement, providing him with global exposure and establishing his reputation as an international athlete. His career highlights include participation in continental youth championships and possibly scoring critical goals for his respective club teams during league play. Current Status As of recent reports, Stanley Okoronkwo continues his professional football career, actively seeking to solidify a consistent role in a top-tier league. His current status often involves training with a specific club or being involved in transfer discussions. He remains active on social media platforms, providing updates on his fitness and general well-being to his fanbase. He continues to be viewed as a player with the potential to reach the senior level of the Nigerian national team, depending on his sustained performance and career trajectory in the coming seasons.

150K+ followers

**Tobi Amusan: Nigerian Track and Field Athlete** Oluwatobiloba "Tobi" Ayomide Amusan (born April 23, 1997) is a prominent Nigerian track and field athlete specializing in the 100 meters hurdles and also competing as a sprinter. She is globally recognized as a trailblazer for Nigerian and African athletics, holding major world and continental records in her signature event. **Early Life and Education** Tobi Amusan was born and raised in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. She is the youngest of three children. She attended Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in her hometown. Amusan’s athletic potential was recognized early, but her career progression truly accelerated after she moved to the United States for her collegiate career. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she became a standout NCAA athlete. In May 2023, Amusan earned a Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies and Sports Management from UTEP. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Amusan’s professional career saw a rapid ascent marked by numerous continental and global successes. Her breakthrough came at the 2015 African Junior Athletics Championships, where she won gold in the 100m hurdles. Her major achievements include: * **World Record Holder:** Amusan set a new world record in the 100m hurdles semi-finals at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, running 12.12 seconds. * **World Champion:** She followed her world record performance by winning the gold medal in the 100m hurdles final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, making her the first Nigerian athlete to win a World Championship gold. * **Commonwealth Games:** She is a two-time Commonwealth Games champion in the 100m hurdles, winning gold in 2018 and 2022. * **African Champion:** Amusan has dominated the event on the continent, securing multiple gold medals at the African Championships and setting the African record in the 100m hurdles.**Notable Works and Current Status** Beyond her medal wins, Amusan's consistent performance has established her as a key figure in international athletics, consistently ranking among the top hurdlers globally. Her 2022 World Championship victory and world record set a new benchmark for speed in the event. As of her most recent appearances, she continues to compete at the elite level in major international competitions, representing Nigeria and maintaining her status as one of the world's premier 100m hurdles specialists.

1M+ followers