Nigeria’s bid for qualification from the Africa Group III of the ongoing Billie Jean King Cup in Namibia has been cut short by Botswana.
After two 3-0 wins against Uganda and Ghana, the Nigerian team could not go past Botswana who dealt the players a serious blow with their ruthless wins.
Adesuwa Osabuohien, playing as Nigeria’s number one player in the first rubber, took a 6-3 lead against Chelsea Chakanyuka before being pegged back 0-6 after sustaining a minor injury during the match.
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Despite the US-based player’s efforts to overturn the game in the final set, she could not go past her rampaging opponent who took a 6-4 win and condemn Nigeria to her first defeat at the competition.
In the second rubber, Nigeria’s star player, Oyinlomo Quadre, could not withstand the firepower of Ekua Youri.
The top 400 WTA player did not leave any room for the Nigerian player as she continued to unleash her ferocious forehand against Quadre. The match ended 6-3, 6-2, effectively sending Nigeria out of contention for promotion.
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The injured Quadre could not play any part in the Doubles as Khadijat Mohammed partnered Osabuohien for her Billie Jean King Cup debut which also did not end well. The Nigerians fell 1-6, 2-6.
Nigeria will now contest against Zimbabwe and Madagascar to determine which team comes out fourth at the end of the African qualifying rounds.
Meanwhile, Success Ogunjobi has eventually teamed up with the group after failing to make the trip owing to visa irregularities by the Namibian Immigration authorities. She arrived Namibia on Wednesday evening and was already in company of other players.
Nigeria Tennis Live will bring all our readers up to speed with updates from the Billie Jean King Cup in Namibia as they unfold.