Ranked number two in Africa and 26th in the world in the team event, the West Africans will travel to London for the global tournament, aiming to improve on their disappointing performance at the 2024 edition in South Korea.
There, Aruna, Olajide Omotayo, and Bode Abiodun were unable to progress beyond the group stage after defeats to Chinese Taipei, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Madagascar.
To reach the knockout rounds this year, Nigeria must negotiate their way past Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa at the OVO Arena Wembley, with Aruna leading the team’s charge.
With the global showpiece just weeks away, the 20-year-old is hoping to make a strong impact on his debut while assessing Nigeria’s chances in England against a tough group.
"I'm positive and looking forward to participating in the tournament and to give my best with the team," Mati told Flashscore.com in a no-holds-barred interview.
"This is going to be a team event, not like the regular singles world championship and it will be my first time playing the World Team Championship.
"So far so good, I've been preparing well, playing a lot of matches and doing a lot of physical exercises. Also, I've been speaking with my psychologist and I'm sure that will help me a lot.
"I'm preparing really good and talking about the mental aspect, I'm in good state and I'm mentally fit."
When asked to assess Nigeria’s group opponents, the France-based star expressed caution about the threat posed by the Hong Kong national team.
The Asians, anchored by Wong Chun Ting and Chan Baldwin, exited in the Round of 32 at the last edition and are currently ranked 19th in the world.
Despite their quality and pedigree, Mati believes they are not unbeatable and can be challenged.
"Early this year, I saw the group fixture and I'm really confident about our chances," the Le Havre star continued.
"Hong Kong are a very good side as well as Saudi Arabia and South Africa. I think Hong Kong can be the most difficult team in the group but they are beatable.
"I played against a few players (from Hong Kong) and had good victories. With Quadri Aruna, (Olajide) Omotayo and youngster Mathew Kuti in our team, the confidence is high."
Mati on the value Aruna Brings to Nigeria
Ahead of the London 2026, star player Quadri Aruna continues to earn praise from teammates and analysts alike, with Mati highlighting the influence and quality the four-time Olympian brings to Team Nigeria.
The 37-year-old remains a trailblazer in African table tennis, becoming the first player from the continent to reach the Olympic quarter-finals in the sport. He is also the second most decorated player in the history of the ITTF Africa Championships.
As Nigeria step up preparation for another push for glory, Aruna is expected to play a central role in leading the team, and his protege has spoken highly of him, citing the value of his experience, leadership, and presence within the squad.
"Quadri Aruna brings a lot to the team in terms of leadership and confidence. Having him in the team is a huge motivation for us," Mati added.
"You know he is a big player and someone with a lot of experience having participated in several Olympics and World Championships and having him in this team we feel it's a good motivation and it gives us more confidence.
"Aruna reached the quarter-finals before, and in the last World Championship I competed in, I made it to the round of 32, which was one of my best results."
On Nigeria’s prospects at the Team World Cup and his personal ambitions, the All-Africa Games multiple medalist said: "We’re not making predictions yet, but we are confident and highly motivated to perform well.
"As a team, I believe we can go as far as anyone can imagine. Anything is possible. Individually, I always push myself in everything I do, in every tournament I play.
"For the upcoming World Team Championship, I’m focused on staying positive and giving my best.
"Even though it’s a team event, there are individual points at stake, depending on how many matches each player wins. That added motivation pushes everyone to perform at their highest level."
Ondo-born Mati, a bronze medallist at the 2021 World Youth Championships, is among a new generation of young African players making their mark on the sport.
