The Nigerian U-12 boys at the ongoing ITF/CAT West and Central Championship put up a virtuoso performance in Benin Republic, but they could not overpower their Ghanaian counterpart in the match to decide who tops the group ahead of the main junior championship in Morocco.
Nigerian Tennis Live feelers in the neighbouring west African country revealed that the Nigerian trio of Maxwell Joshua, Emmanuel Ameh and Nekekpemi Michael could not fashion a winning formula against their opponents as they lost 0-3 in a match where they put in their best.
With this result, the boys conceded their first loss in as many games but this does not stop them from advancing to the Morocco championship slated to hold in August, 2018.
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| Team Nigeria will be one of the most feared in Morocco when the youngsters land there for the major championship in August. |
Coach Abel Ubiebi who led the Nigerian side to the tournament expressed great optimism with his wards even though they could not manage a win in their final match, as he said he was not disappointed in them at all.
He noted that they gave their best in the tournament, especially in the final match, but could not just find a way around the Ghanaians.
“They played their hearts out and it showed that they are prepared for such international meets. I am sure they will not remain the same way after this tournament.
“They will be better prepared for the Morocco event come August, so it was not a bad outing for the boys whatsoever,” he told Nigerian Tennis Live.
Meanwhile, their female counterparts will have to be at their very best on Thursday, 8 March, if they must wrestle their way to the main tournament in Morocco.
Iye Onoja and Serena Teluwo. not forgetting Basirat Okunola, will have to dig deep against hosts Benin Republic to earn a passage to the major championship after the qualification series in the west African country.
Nigerian Tennis Live will keep tabs on the players and their performances and publish their progress reports as they unfold.