Billie Jean King Cup: Nigeria, Kenya In Fierce Battle For Promotion
Thursday will see a tough battle between Nigerian ladies and their Kenyan counterpart as they go neck-to-neck for Billie Jean King Cup promotion.
Nigeria topped Group C after defeating Ghana, Uganda and Botswana in what was a show of utter dominance in female tennis and will now have to earn their promotion from Africa Group III.
To secure a promotion to World Group II, the Nigerian team comprising the quartet of Adesuwa Osabuohien, Divine Nweke, Toyin Asogba and Oyinlomo Quadre, will have to overcome a rampaging Kenyan side.
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Not only will the Billie Jean King Cup encounter be between these two nations, it will be Nigerians playing against their fans as well, as the event is being held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya who deservedly topped their group had to overcome a stiff competition from Burundi, Tunisia and Mauritius in what was (on paper), the toughest group in the tournament.
And buoyed by their home support and the presence of their superstar African Games gold medalist, Angella Okutoyi, Kenya will fancy their chances of overpowering their opponents from West Africa.
But Nigeria are not without their jokers as the team is filled with players who, not only have experience of playing at this level of competition, but who have also made names for themselves.
The Nigerian team will also have to face South Africa in the second round robin match among the top three teams from the three Groups.
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South Africa were made to work hard for their victory over Zimbabwe after being pegged down in the first game. Madagascar and Namibia are the other teams in their group who could not make it to the top.
Nigerians will be drumming support for the ladies from every part of the world as the match takes centre stage in Nairobi on Thursday, 13 June, 2024.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep tabs on the match and give our readers all the updates from the competition as it progresses.