The top seeded Nigerian is yet to drop a set after recording back-to-back Group 1 wins against Rwanda's Eric Niyonizigiye and Abdoulaye Bangura of Guinea at Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall his country's largest city. 

Aruna breezed through his match with Niyonizigiye 11-6, 11-5, 11-3, before an even easier 11-4, 11-1. 11-5.

In the group's other match Niyonizigiye overcame Bangura 11-5, 11-6, 11-5.

Second seed Ahmed Saleh of Egypt made light work of his rivals with two wins in Group 2.

He defeated Togo's Kossi Akakpo 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 before cruising past Frank Bushema of Rwanda 11-4, 11-4, 11-6.

Egypt's reigning champion Omar Assar was in impeccable form as he enjoyed an 11-7, 11-3, 11-7 win against Nigeria's Taiwo Mati.

He followed up with a straight sets 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 win against Ethiopia's Aden Faris.

Assar is bidding for a third ITTF Africa Cup title and his third ITTF World Cup appearance, with the winners of both the men’s and women’s singles events securing a place at the ITTF World Cups in Chengdu in China later this year.

Egypt’s Dina Meshref began her Africa Cup title defence in even more convincing style in the women's draw.

In Group 1 she defeated Adama Drame of Senegal 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 before dispatching South Africa's Danisha Patel 11-3, 11-6, 11-4.

Second seed and home favourite Edem Offiong had mixed fortunes as she suffered a shock defeat to Fadwa Garci of Tunisia.

Garci, the 22nd-ranked player, needed four sets as she battled to a 14-12, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 victory that she will not forget easily.

Offiong bounced back from her loss with a commanding 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 triumph against Senegal's Thiane Seck.