In a rather unfortunate twist of fate, Christopher Bulus failed to defeat Eliakim Coulibaly of Cote D’Ivoire in their third consecutive meeting in the last five months, losing the boys’ Singles final at the Junior ITF Circuit to the tough player.
Naija Tennis Special gathered that Bulus was not given any chance to get his revenge against the power-playing Coulibaly, as he stumbled to a 0-6, 1-6 loss in a match where the Nigerian star was expected to confirm his superiority on the ITF tour.
 |
| Proud showing off his runner-up trophy at the second leg of the Junior ITF Circuit in Lome, the Togolese capital. |
Although it became Nigeria’s second final in two weeks, Bulus could not make it consecutive wins for the West African giants after Adetayo Adetunji stormed to an unprecedented win in the first leg of the junior circuit in Benin Republic.
Coach Abel Ubiebi, one of the Nigerian coaches in charge of the players, noted that the Ivorian player was already a tough nut to crack and that the team had worked hard to suppress his firepowers, but today was apparently not Nigeria’s day.
 |
| Bulus receiving his trophy for being a runner-up at the second leg of the Junior ITF Circuit. |
“Bulus gave his all, but Eliakim was really tough on the day. We shall strive to get better and put to good use, the lessons we have learnt over the past two weeks.
“I’m sure we shall find the player’s password if we get to meet him again,” Coach Ubiebi said amid smiles.
“In all, I cannot be more proud of what Bulus has become. He is getting better with every game and his resilience was obvious during the last few matches. I believe Nigeria has got a great player in him and some of the guys we came here with if they continue at this pace,” the Nigerian coach noted.
 |
| Meet the winners of the second leg of the Junior ITF Circuit. |
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria have already preparations for the third leg of the Junior ITF Circuit in Lome, the Togolese capital, as the contingent will hope to end the tournament on a high note after the unconvincing performances across the first two legs.