Nigeria Tennis Rises Despite Morocco Defeat, Ochei Pledges Deeper Reforms
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), has described Nigeria’s return to the Davis Cup World Group II as a significant achievement, despite Team Nigeria’s 4-0 defeat to Morocco in Rabat.
The Nigerian team’s campaign at the Railway Club courts in Rabat ended on Sunday after Morocco built an unassailable lead from Saturday’s opening singles.
Karim Bennani defeated Nigeria’s Canice Abua 6-1, 6-2, while Yassine Dlimi recorded an identical 6-2, 6-1 victory over Yusuf Abubakar to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.Morocco subsequently completed the tie with victories on Sunday.
Reacting to the result, NTF President, Rt. Hon. Engr. Victor Ochei, FNSE, said the defeat should be viewed against the broader progress recorded by Nigerian tennis.
Ochei recalled that Nigeria secured promotion to World Group II in February after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, marking the country’s return to that level for the first time in three decades.
He said the achievement represented a major step forward for Nigerian tennis.
“We must put this in proper context. In February, Nigeria defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, to earn promotion to World Group II for the first time in 30 years.
“That in itself is the highest level Nigeria has reached in Davis Cup history. That is success, not failure,” Ochei said.
He also pointed to challenges that affected Nigeria’s preparations for the Moroccan tie, including the injury-induced withdrawal of Daniel Adeleye.
The team was further without teenage sensation Oluwaseun Ogunsakin, who recently made history by becoming the first Nigerian in 35 years to feature at the US Open Junior Championship.
According to Ochei, Ogunsakin’s absence was also influenced by travel logistics and conditioning considerations.
“When you go into a tie of this magnitude in North Africa without your number one and without Seun Ogunsakin who has just broken a 35-year Grand Slam jinx for Nigeria at the US Open, it will affect the outcome one way or the other,” he said.
He, however, commended Canice Abua, Yusuf Abubakar and Michael Emmanuel for their commitment and competitive spirit, noting that the experience gained in Morocco would contribute to their development.
The NTF president reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to reforms aimed at developing a stronger pipeline of young Nigerian tennis players capable of competing internationally.
He said the federation’s priorities include youth development, increased international exposure, expansion of junior competitions and greater private-sector participation in funding tennis.
Ochei cited Ogunsakin’s US Open appearance, the growing number of junior tournaments across Nigeria and the country’s return to the Davis Cup World Group as evidence of progress under the federation’s current leadership.
“This setback in Morocco will not derail us. We will remain in World Group II Playoffs next year and we will come back stronger.
“Our focus is clear: build a new generation of Nigerian tennis stars that can compete and win at the highest level globally. The reforms have just started,” he said.
Ochei commended the players and Head Coach, Benson Ishicheli, for their commitment throughout the campaign.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission leadership, led by Malam Shehu Dikko and Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Morocco’s victory secures its place in the 2027 Davis Cup World Group I Playoffs.
