Irimiya, Oladimeji advance in ITF Junior tournament

Mevi Irimiya and Jayden Oladimeji combined in the men’s doubles tennis category to defeat Isah Yahaya and Abdulbaasit Salami 7-6(9), 6-1 on Monday in the round of 16 at the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Irimiya and Oladimeji have advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament, keeping Nigerian hopes alive in the competition.

Irimiya and Oladimeji fought back strongly after losing the first set, dominating the second set convincingly to secure their place in the next round.

Speaking after the match, Irimiya said it was a tough contest from the start, but they picked up the pace in the second set and performed well.

“The first set was slow, but we improved in the second set, and that gave us the victory.

“This is my first ITF tournament, and I am hoping to lift the trophy,” Irimiya added.

Oladimeji stated that as a team, they are committed to putting in the hard work and dedication needed to reach the finals of the competition.

“I am also looking forward to my singles match tomorrow, and I am determined to come out on top.

“Ultimately, my goal is to lift the trophy and make this tournament a memorable one, as this is my first ITF tournament,” Oladimeji said.

In other men’s doubles matches, Mohammed Abdullahi and Sharon Danjuma defeated Amdi Kane and Raphaël Metrailler of France 6-4, 1-6 (10-5).

Mehdi Cherkaoui and Amine Jabrani of Morocco overcame the duo of Shimankinaan Dayok and Vyom Shah of India 6-4, 6-2.

In the men’s singles round of 32, Yahaya Sani beat Israel Adeusi 6-2, 6-3, while Haoran Hu of China defeated Peter Egena 6-2, 6-4.

In the women’s singles round of 32, Abimbola Ayinla of Great Britain beat Oluwanofemi Makanjuola 6-2, 6-4, while Gloria Samuel defeated Seember Matthew 6-0, 6-0.

NAN reports that the events are expected to conclude on March 1 at the Tennis Centre of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

A total of eleven countries are participating, including Nigeria (host), Egypt, Great Britain, France, the USA, South Africa, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Morocco, India, and China.