Five Abuja heavyweights billed for Lagos Tennis Cup

Five of Nigeria’s best tennis players, who are residing in Abuja, are among the top stars listed for the 2022 Lagos Tennis Cup, which will hold from September 27 to October 2 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

With five from Abuja alone, other cities just have three slots in the tournament, which coincides with the country’s Independence anniversary celebrations.

Coming from Abuja is defending champion, Uche Oparaoji, currently ranked No.6, and top seed and Nigeria’s No.1 star, Henry Atseye. Others are Nonso Madueke, ranked number four, Lawal Peter, fifth rank and the seventh-ranked Thomas Otu.

The Abuja boys have dominated recent national tennis events, but in Lagos, they will face stiff opposition from the explosive teen star, Wilson Igbinovia, who leads a two-man Lagos cast that includes Phillip Abayomi.

The 19-year-old, whose family has a history of producing top tennis talents, including his uncle and former Nigeria number one, Jonathan Igbinovia, will also have the advantage of playing on home turf, as he grew up on the courts of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, where his father is a member.

Arguably the most exciting men’s talent in the country today, Wilson is currently ranked number two.

Completing the men’s draw will be Owerri-based Chima Michael, who is ranked ninth, but makes the draw as the third seed, Imeh Joseph, is suspended.