Ochei Hails Ogunsakin, Adesina for Historic Wimbledon Achievements
Oru Leonard
President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has congratulated Nigerian tennis talents Seun Ogunsakin and Esther Adesina for their impressive performances at the 2026 Wimbledon Junior Championships, describing their achievements as a testament to resilience, ambition and the growing global impact of Nigerian tennis.
Ochei said the exploits of the two players have brought pride to Nigeria and inspired a new generation of African tennis players, despite both falling short of winning titles.
Ogunsakin, alongside his Botswana partner Ntungamili Raguin, reached the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Junior Boys’ Doubles before losing 6-3, 6-7(6), 10-6 to top seeds Luis Guto Miguel of Brazil and Žiga Šeško of Slovenia. The all-African pairing had earlier stunned the tournament’s sixth seeds 6-4, 7-6(4) in the quarter-finals to make history as the first African duo to reach the semi-finals of the event.
The NTF President also praised Ogunsakin’s singles campaign, where he became the only African to progress through the qualifying rounds into the Wimbledon Junior main draw after defeating Canada’s Benjamin Azar in straight sets. Although he exited in the first round against Britain’s Oliver Page, Ochei noted that the Nigerian achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Nigerian to win a Grand Slam main-draw match since the 1990 Australian Open.
Ochei equally commended Esther Adesina, who was born to Nigerian parents and represents Great Britain, for reaching the Wimbledon qualifying draw for the first time in her career.
He described her accomplishment as further proof of the abundance of tennis talent of Nigerian heritage making an impact on the international stage.
“Seun Ogunsakin and Esther Adesina have shown the world what can be achieved through purpose, ambition and unwavering determination. Their performances at Wimbledon have brought immense pride to Nigeria and the African continent. While every athlete dreams of lifting trophies, history is often made by those who dare to compete fearlessly on the biggest stages,” Ochei said.
Addressing Ogunsakin, he added: “Your journey has only just begun. Reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam doubles event and breaking long-standing barriers for Nigerian tennis are achievements worthy of celebration. Keep believing, keep working and remain focused. The future is incredibly bright.”
He also praised Adesina, saying her progress at Wimbledon reflects the global excellence of athletes of Nigerian heritage and remains a source of pride for Nigeria.
Ochei reaffirmed the Nigeria Tennis Federation’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerian players to compete internationally, noting that the achievements of Ogunsakin and Adesina validate the Federation’s renewed efforts to produce world-class tennis stars.
He urged the duo and other emerging players to remain disciplined, ambitious and focused, expressing confidence that Nigerian tennis is capable of producing future Grand Slam champions.
“Nigeria is proud of you. Your courage, ambition and determination have inspired millions of young athletes to dream bigger. Continue to fly the Nigerian spirit high wherever your careers take you,” he said.
