The hype around Azimuth Shipping Lines Junior Tennis Championship being one of the toughest junior tournaments in Nigeria remains valid and justified.
Most of the players participating in the competition, by now, know that they’re unable to just stroll in and pick points without battling opponents from other States for it, and it has increased the competitiveness of the tournament.
In the Girls’ U-16 matches, the Iorlumun sisters from Benue State proved that their consistent attendance at the Azimuth competition is no fluke, as they continue making the best of their appearance.
Eunice will now slug it out against Justina Emmanuel for a place in the semis while her sister, Mary, will trade serves against Aina Goodnews from Ekiti in a tough encounter.
In the other semifinal matches at the Azimuth event, the tournament’s number one seed, Bright Emmanuel, will play against fellow Apapa Tennis Club compatriot, Ndifreke Benjamin, to reach the semis while Alice Paul and Oyo State’s Rokibat Afolabi will battle it out for the last semis ticket.
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Action toughened up in the Boys U-16 as well, as top seed Elisha Kwange kept up the pressure on his opponents, setting up a quarterfinal clash against Israel Adeusi.
France-based Jade Nzewi is also through to the quarterfinals, but will have to wait to know his opponent for the quarterfinals. Nzewi is yet to lose a single game since this competition started as well, making him a clear favourite for the U-16 title.
Meanwhile, in Girls U-14 semis, Lorelay Holzendorff and Gloria Samuel had a top of the table battle for a place in the final, and needed a super tiebreak to decide the winner.
Ekiti State’s Samuel came out tops in that encounter which showed how much both players have grown over the years.
She will await the winner of the clash between Ayetuma Fego and Emmanuella Kwange in the other semifinal match.
Top Boys U-14 seed, Chukwudubem Amasiani is still on course for a place in the final as he goes up against Adeiza Yakubu, the younger brother of top Nigerian junior player, Ohunene, in their quarterfinal match.
In a battle of the south-south, Damilola Agunbiade and Wisdom Effiong from Cross River and Akwa-Ibom States respectively, will be aiming for a semifinal slot when they go neck to neck on Friday morning.
READ ALSO: Why I Came From Europe For The Azimuth Championship – Nzewi
Mofifunoluwa Atilola has also reached the finals of the Girls U-12, where she will be testing her might against Joy Emmanuel for the ultimate prize.
And in the Boys U-12, Chukwubuikem Amasiani will be hoping to follow his brother’s footsteps to reach the U-12 final when he comes up against Israel John. Ogun State’s Garuba Taiwo who recently won the Rock Tennis Foundation Junior Tennis Tournament, will battle Samuel Nedem for the second final slot.
All the matches are expected to reach the final stage by Friday as spectators will trooping to the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club for the final matches on Saturday, 20 January, from 12noon, for some classic junior tennis actions.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep updating our readers and followers on the latest information, fixtures and results from the competition which gives prizes, trophies and education grants to participants from the quarterfinal stage.