Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) President, Victor Ochei, has described Team Nigeria’s campaign in the Davis Cup World Group II as a significant milestone for Nigerian tennis despite the 4-0 defeat to Morocco in Rabat.
Nigeria’s campaign ended at the Railway Club courts in Rabat on Sunday, after the hosts completed a dominant victory over the Nigerian team.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria lost 4-0 to Morocco in the Davis Cup World Group II tie in Rabat.
- NTF President Victor Ochei says Nigeria’s promotion to World Group II is itself a 30-year milestone.
- Nigeria travelled to Morocco without injured number one Daniel Adeleye.
- Teenage star Oluwaseun Ogunsakin could not join the team due to travel logistics after his US Open Junior run.
- Ochei says Nigeria will remain in World Group II Playoffs next year.
- Morocco’s win secures its place in the 2027 Davis Cup World Group I Playoffs.
Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead on Saturday, with Karim Bennani defeating Canice Abua 6-1, 6-2 before Yassine Dlimi recorded an identical victory over Yusuf Abubakar.
The hosts secured the overall tie on Sunday with further victories. Despite the result, Ochei said Nigeria’s return to the World Group II level represented a major achievement.
“We must put this in proper context. In February, Nigeria defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, to earn promotion to World Group II for the first time in 30 years.
“That in itself is the highest level Nigeria has reached in Davis Cup history. That is success, not failure,” Ochei said.
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Nigeria Missed Key Players in Rabat
The NTF president explained that Nigeria faced significant challenges ahead of the Morocco tie, including the absence of Daniel Adeleye through injury.
He also noted that teenage star Oluwaseun Ogunsakin, who recently made history by featuring at the US Open Junior Championship, could not join the team in Rabat because of travel logistics and conditioning concerns.
“When you go into a tie of this magnitude in North Africa without your number one and without Seun Ogunsakin who has just broken a 35-year Grand Slam jinx for Nigeria at the US Open, it will affect the outcome one way or the other,” Ochei said.
He praised Canice Abua, Yusuf Abubakar and Michael Emmanuel for their commitment, saying their participation would provide valuable experience for future international competitions.
NTF Reaffirms Commitment to Reforms
Ochei also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to reforms aimed at developing young players and increasing Nigeria’s competitiveness on the international stage.
He said the NTF had prioritised youth development, international exposure and private-sector funding, pointing to Ogunsakin’s US Open appearance, increased junior tournaments across the country and Nigeria’s return to the Davis Cup World Group as evidence of progress.
“This setback in Morocco will not derail us. We will remain in World Group II Playoffs next year and we will come back stronger,” he said.
“Our focus is clear: build a new generation of Nigerian tennis stars that can compete and win at the highest level globally. The reforms have just started.”
The NTF president commended the players and Head Coach Benson Ishicheli for their commitment throughout the campaign.
He also appreciated the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Malam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their continued support.
Morocco’s victory earned the North African nation a place in the 2027 Davis Cup World Group I Playoffs. Follow us on X for more sports updates.
