It will be another clash of titans when Michael Emmanuel, aka Akpan, comes up against Thomas Otu at the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship in Kano.
The in-form Akpan has been one of the standout players at the ongoing tournament in Kano, winning his two matches so far without dropping a set.
The outstanding Davis Cup player will now have to face the former Nigerian number one male tennis player, Thomas Otu, for a place in the semifinals of the Dala event.
Akpan defeated emerging youngster, Prosperity Okonkwo, 6-2, 6-1 to set up the quarterfinal tie against Otu who gave his all to defeat Yusuf Abubakar 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
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Number one seed, Uche Oparaoji, after defeating Joseph Jimoh 6-4, 6-1, will trade serves against Musa Muhammed, who was the better player during his match against Ibadan-born Mubarak Ganiyu. He won 6-3, 6-3.
Defending Champion, Henry Atseye, looks unperturbed as he maintained his winning streak with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Dahiru Muhammed and will not take on Iloputa Ikechukwu who battled to a 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 win over Ehighiamuose Endurance.
In other matches Canice Abua continued his fine run of form as he defeated Christopher Itodo, 6-1, 2-3 rtd to set up a clash against Yahaya Sani Inabo who was outstanding against fellow youngster, Ezekiel Azi, in their final set match which ended 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7).
Success Ogunjobi continued her impressive run in the Women’s Singles, as she took out Puriniman Bajo 6-0, 6-2 and will now take on Mary Udoffa who also defeated Favour Moses 6-2, 6-2, in the semifinal of the competition.
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For a place in the final of the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship, Bamidele Omolayo was made to fight for her spot with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 against Rebecca Ekpenyong, and will now face Khadijat Mohammed, who crushed Loveth Ogah 6-3, 6-1.
The Doubles semifinal is also delicately poised with the pair of Daniel Adeleye and Yusuf Abubakar taking on Henry Atseye and Nonso Madueke while Joseph Jimoh will partner Prosperity Okonkwo to play against Matthew Abamu and Michael Emmanuel.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep all our readers updated on all the latest developments from the ancient city of Kano as they surface.