Tag: Adeleye

Nigeria’s number one player, Daniel Adeleye, produced a determined comeback to defeat Abdulaziz Usmonjonov of Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup World Group II Playoffs on Saturday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

After dropping the opening set, Adeleye showed composure and grit to record a 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 victory, earning Nigeria a crucial point and reigniting the home side’s challenge in the tie.

Usmonjonov started brightly, using his consistency and court coverage to edge the first set. Adeleye, however, responded like a top-ranked player, raising his intensity in the second set as he began to dictate rallies and put pressure on his opponent’s serve, racing to a 6–2 win.

The deciding set was tightly contested, with both players refusing to give ground.

Backed by a lively Lagos crowd, Adeleye displayed resilience and maturity in the key moments, breaking late before calmly serving out the match to seal a memorable victory.

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Speaking after the match, the Nigerian number one highlighted the importance of staying mentally strong.

“I knew I had to be patient and trust my game, even after losing the first set,” Adeleye said. “Playing at home gives me extra motivation, and I’m happy I could deliver for the team.”

Usmonjonov acknowledged the shift in momentum, admitting Adeleye’s improved level made the difference.

The win proved pivotal for Nigeria as the tie remained finely balanced, with Adeleye’s performance underlining his leadership role and importance to the team’s hopes in the World Group II Playoffs.

• By Jonny Edwards

Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Sunday Adeleye, has declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Federation, as the race for the top position intensifies ahead of the AFN elections next month.

Adeleye, a former national athlete, brings years of administrative experience to the contest, having previously served as the athletes’ representative on the AFN board.

He also worked as Executive Assistant to former Sports Minister John Enoh and continues to serve in a similar role under the Minister of State for Industry.

With this declaration, Adeleye joins a growing list of contenders, including incumbent President Tonobok Okowa, former AFN President Ibrahim Gusau and retired Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, also a former Technical Director of the AFN.

In outlining his vision, Adeleye harped on grassroots development, promising to collaborate closely with state athletics associations to scout and nurture emerging talent.

“We must return to the grassroots. That’s where the next champions are. With a functional structure and state-level synergy, we will discover and develop world-class athletes,” Adeleye said.

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The Kogi-born administrator vowed to revive Nigeria’s athletic dominance on the continental and global stage, focusing on talent development, technical excellence, and structural reforms.

“We have the talent in abundance. My goal is to restore our pride on the track and field, not just by winning medals, but by rebuilding systems that make success sustainable.”

Adeleye also pledged to create an effective liaison framework between the AFN and government institutions, modelled after international best practices.

“I have studied how successful nations structure their federations. We will build a workable AFN/Government liaison structure that ensures accountability and efficiency.”

He highlighted plans to boost the capacity of Nigerian coaches, emphasising local expertise over foreign reliance.

“We have some of the best minds in athletics coaching. With proper training and resources, they can lead our athletes to greatness without always looking abroad.”

In his address, Adeleye assured stakeholders that his administration would be transparent and responsible in the management of resources, particularly those from World Athletics and other sponsors.

“We’ll operate an open system — accountable to the nation and the athletes. Every kobo from World Athletics and our sponsors will be used judiciously to grow the sport.”

The AFN Zonal elections are scheduled to take place in May this year.