Top seed, Seyi Ogunsakin, has advanced to the boys’ singles final of the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 tournament in Lagos.
Ogunsakin defeated compatriot Elisha Kwange 6-4, 6-1 in Friday’s semi-final at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunsakin maintained his impressive form to secure a place in the final.
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Nigeria’s David Edwards also booked his place in the boys’ singles final after overcoming compatriot Gbolahan Olawale 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
In the girls’ singles event, Nigeria’s Bright Emmanuel advanced after defeating compatriot, Gloria Samuel, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.
First-time participant, Mofifunoluwa Atilola, also reached the girls’ singles final, defeating India’s Tejaswi Manneni 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Atilola’s victory highlighted the tournament’s competitive nature, with emerging players challenging established seeds.
In the girls’ doubles quarter-finals, France’s Tahira Bagate and Nigeria’s top seed, Chimezurum Ogualu, defeated Salvation Alex and Emmanuella Bebe 6-4, 6-3.
In the boys’ doubles quarter-finals, third seed, Nathaniel Aluko, and Italian partner, Ivosa Sampayo, defeated Onyekachi Ogunmjiofor and Ehsan Saggers 6-1, 6-0.
Speaking after his victory, Ogunsakin described his encounter with Kwange as one of his toughest matches in the competition.
He expressed satisfaction with his performance, despite the challenge posed by his opponent.
“I’m really happy to get this win. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed focused and followed my plan,” he said.
Ogunsakin expressed confidence in maintaining his winning momentum as the competition approaches its concluding stages.
Kwange admitted that his opponent performed better, although he expressed disappointment with his own display.
“I tried my best today, but it was a tough match. Ogunsakin played really well and deserved the win,” he said.
He described the tournament as a valuable learning experience and pledged to return stronger in future competitions.
Tournament Director, Paul Moses, described the competition as highly competitive, noting that lower-ranked players had given top seeds difficult encounters.
Moses said the tournament remained unpredictable, with no clear favourites for the respective titles.
“It’s an open tournament. You cannot say this player is better than the other. The competition is balanced and very competitive,” he said.
He cited Atilola’s impressive run to the final on her first appearance as evidence of the tournament’s competitive balance.
Moses added that leading seeds had also encountered considerable resistance from their opponents.
“Even the top seeds, including the first and second seeds, had to fight hard to get to where they are today,” he said.
The first leg of the week-long tournament began on Monday, Nov. 2, featuring young players from different countries.
The competition offers Nigerian junior players opportunities to earn international ranking points and improve their standings.
Tournament officials expressed satisfaction with the standard of play and sportsmanship displayed by participants.
They described the competition as an important platform for developing young players’ skills and providing international exposure.
The tournament is being held in two legs, with the first running from Monday, Nov. 2, to Saturday, Nov. 7.
The second leg is scheduled for Nov. 9 to Nov. 14, with more matches expected before Saturday’s first-leg finals.
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