In another clear display of dominance in West and Central African junior tennis, team Nigeria to the recently concluded ITF/CAT junior tournament defeat her counterparts to emerge champions of the event.
The Abel Ubiebi-tutored side returned with a total of seven gold and 1 bronze medals to emerge the overall winners of the ITF/CAT Championship which was concluded at the weekend in Togo.
Oyinlomo Quadri, who has been in dazzling form of late, was the star player of the double-phased tournament as she upset three higher rated opponents en route her victory the U-14 girls’ singles.
The Ibile Games double gold medalist accounted for the exit of the number one seed, Kaita Aishata of Mali 6-1, 6-1 in the semifinal before capping a glorious outing with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Carmene Kpadonou of Benin in Saturday’s final at the Stade Omnisports, Lome.
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| Oyinlomo (far left), receiving her trophy for winning a tournament recently |
Although Quadri could still play in the U12, she was registered for the U14 in order to garner more points which would help her feature in the African Junior Championship Masters billed for Morocco later in the year.
Nigeria’s great showing at the weeklong tournament which featured five countries was highlighted by the country’s winning of the boys’ and girls’ U12 where Mathew Abamu and Toyin Asogba defeated Suleiman Quattara of Cote d’Ivoire and Patricia Wamba of Cameroon 6-2, 6-1 and 6-3,3-6, 6-4 respectively.
Ubiebi, who took charge of the team in the absence of national junior coach- Mohammed Ubale- was full of excitement after leading the junior players to an enviable feat in the zone.
In a chat with Naija Tennis Special, Ubiebi expressed his belief in the team and hopes that the players can maintain their form ahead of subsequent events.
He said: “I have always said that we have talents in this country, but when there is not proper training or atmosphere, it seems as if we are not doing enough.
“This was a massive win for our country and Quadri, who is in top form at the moment, can only get better with the right training and state of mind.”
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The set of players at the junior cadre in boys n girls will take Nigeria tennis to a greater height ONLY & ONLY if the country come up with enough sustainable programmes. It amazes me when I see these set of players displaying their talents in this CHALLENGING environment.
Thanks a lot, coach, for always bringing us up to speed with your thoughts on Nigerian Tennis. It is our desire that Nigerian tennis comes up again and we believe that in no distant future, our aspirations shall be fulfilled.