NNPC/SNEPCo Junior Tennis Championship: Ibrahim beats Dawariye, emerges U16 winner

By 'Dotun Omisakin 

Suleiman Ibrahim came back after losing his first set 3-10 against David Dawariye to be crowned the champion of the U16 NNPC/SNEPCo Junior Tennis Championship, finishing 10-4 and 12-10 in a tie break, played at the Lagos Lawn Tennis.

While in the girl category U-16, Omolayo Bamidele won Favour Moses 12-10, 10-2 in a straight set to become the winner.

In the boys' U-14,Ganiyu Mubarak defeated Isaac Danjunma 10-8, 9-11 and 10-6 in a tie break to emerge as the winner.

Girl's U-14  Esther Oni defeated Scholar Otu 11-9, 4-10 and 11-9 in a tie break to get the trophy. 

For the boys' U-12 witnessed tennis artistry as Mohammed Idris stunned the spectators defeating Seun Ogunsakin 7-10,10-7 and 12-10 in a tie break.

While girl's U-12 Adewusi Faith won Favour Ameachi 10-6, 10-7 in a straight set.

Speaking after the match, Suleiman Ibrahim said he breath through his nose to win his opponent, adding he was a good player.

"He was a good player. I am so happy." He said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, SNEPCo Mr. Bayo Odulari represented by the Business Opportunity Manager Mr. Segun Owolabi disclosed that in partnership with other sponsors, N40M has been invested to groom players that can represent Nigeria at the international level.

Moreover, the organiser of the event, Mr. Godwin Kienka said this year edition has betrayed the notion of lack of quality players, adding that it showed the authenticity of junior tennis development in Nigeria.

"The winner of the last tournament was not the winner of the girl 16 this week, the winner of the girl 12 was not the winner of the girl 12 last time around, so we have so much depth that we have 8 players in boys' 16 and girls' 16 who can be each other at any time and that speaks how deep and how widespread the talent is." He said.