President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Engineer Ifedayo Akindoju, has praised the performance of home-based tennis players at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Ogun State, expressing satisfaction with their competitiveness and growth.
His remarks followed the thrilling semi-final match between US-based Ogun State player Christopher Bulus and home-based Daniel Adeleye of Ekiti State. Bulus claimed a 6-3, 6-3 victory to secure a spot in the final, but Adeleye’s impressive showing drew commendation.
“The semi-final between Ogun and Ekiti—Bulus Christopher versus Daniel Adeleye—was epic,” Akindoju said. “It reinforced my belief that local players are strong, competitive, and ready to fight.”
He also lauded the quality of the second semi-final between Canice Abua and David Ekpeyong, noting the high level of play across both matches. “The standard was high, and I’m truly satisfied with what I saw.”
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Speaking on the women’s performance, Akindoju highlighted the promise shown by junior female players under 15, stating, “They played impressive tennis and showed the hunger to take over from the seniors.”
Looking ahead to the men’s singles final between Ogun State’s Bulus and Bayelsa’s Ekpeyong, Akindoju predicted a thrilling encounter, though he expressed concern over Ekpeyong’s fitness after he suffered cramps in his semi-final match. “I hope the medical team can get him ready. If he’s fit, it’s going to be a fierce battle.”
In the women’s singles final, Barakat Quadri will go head-to-head with Yakubu Ohunene in a match set for 10 a.m. today, promising yet another exciting display of tennis talent at the festival.