Updates of Nigerian players’ activities in Togo where the African Junior Tennis Championship is ongoing show that most of them won their opening matches.
According to information made available to Naija Tennis Special, surprise package, Wilson Igbinovia, began the tournament with a comprehensive straight sets win over his opponent from Cote D’Ivoire.
 |
| You have to put in your best and know that you are representing yourself and Nigeria at this tournament. |
Igbinovia whose inclusion in the team list came as a surprise to many tennis followers in the country, justified his place in Togo with a convincing victory over her counterpart and will be looking to build on the momentum afterwards.
Top junior player, Michael Osewa, however, had to beat off stiff competition from top drawer, Isaac Elhayah, another Ivorian, to win after the final set.
 |
| Coach Ubale giving the players words of advice and encouragement this morning. |
Both matches were played in the Under 16 category, while the likes of Oyinlomo Barakat Quadri and MaryLove Edwards will be slugging it out with their Under 14 counterparts as hostilities begin in their category today.
Below are some of the results from the Nigerians’ matches on Wednesday:
Wilson Igbinovia won Maiga Quattara ( CIV) 6-1/6-2
Ayoola Micheal won Umau Kouma (Mali) 6-4/7-6
Osewa Micheal won Isaac Elhayah (CIV) 4-6/6-2/6-3
Aderemi Omolade won Dami Kouche of Togo 6-1, 6-0
Bamidele Omolayo won 6-0/6-1 against a Togolese
Toyin Asogba lost 6-0, 6-3 to Kpadonu of Togo
 |
| MaryLove and Oyinlomo will need this pep talk the most as they start the battle for superiority later today. |
Meanwhile, Coach Ubale Mohammed has advised the players on how to keep their feet strong in the competition and make sure they don’t lose focus.
The national junior tennis coach who led the youngsters to Togo alongside top junior coach, Abel Ubiebi, challenged the players to give in their best as they fly the country’s flag high.