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.
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."