Sports
Victor Ochei Salutes Nigerian Tennis Stars Seun Ogunsakin and Esther Adesina for Wimbledon Milestone
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Esq., FNSE, has congratulated Nigerian tennis stars Seun Ogunsakin and Esther Adesina for their remarkable performances at the 2026 Wimbledon Junior Championships, describing their exploits as a clear demonstration of purpose, ambition and resilience on the global stage.
Although Seun Ogunsakin and his Botswana partner, Ntungamili Raguin, bowed out in the boys’ doubles semi-finals after a spirited 6-3, 6-7(6), 10-6 defeat to the tournament’s top seeds, Luis Guto Miguel of Brazil and Žiga Šeško of Slovenia, Ochei said the pair’s historic run has inspired a new generation of African tennis players.
The NTF President noted that the all-African partnership made history by reaching the Wimbledon Junior Boys’ Doubles semi-finals, having earlier eliminated the sixth seeds with an impressive 6-4, 7-6(4) victory in the quarter-finals.
Ochei also praised Ogunsakin’s outstanding singles campaign, where he became the only African to progress through the qualifying rounds into the Wimbledon Junior main draw after defeating Canada’s Benjamin Azar in straight sets.
Though his journey ended in the opening round against Britain’s Oliver Page, his achievement remains historic, making him the first Nigerian to win a Grand Slam main-draw match since the 1990 Australian Open.
The NTF President equally commended Esther Adesina, who, despite representing Great Britain and being born to Nigerian parents, reached the Wimbledon qualifying draw for the first time in her career. He described her achievement as another source of pride for Nigeria and evidence of the immense tennis talent of Nigerian heritage across the world.
According to Ochei:”Seun Ogunsakin and Esther Adesina have shown the world what can be achieved through purpose, ambition and unwavering determination. Their performances at Wimbledon have brought immense pride to Nigeria and the African continent. While every athlete dreams of lifting trophies, history is often made by those who dare to compete fearlessly on the biggest stages.”
“To Seun, your journey has only just begun. Reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam doubles event and breaking long-standing barriers for Nigerian tennis are achievements worthy of celebration. Keep believing, keep working and remain focused. The future is incredibly bright.”
“To Esther, your remarkable progress at Wimbledon is equally inspiring. Your success reflects the global excellence of athletes of Nigerian heritage, and we celebrate your achievements with great pride.”
Ochei reaffirmed the Nigeria Tennis Federation’s commitment to creating opportunities for young players to compete internationally, insisting that the performances of Ogunsakin and Adesina validate the Federation’s renewed drive to develop world-class talents.
He urged the duo and other emerging Nigerian players to remain ambitious, disciplined and committed, expressing confidence that even greater milestones including Grand Slam titles and professional success are within reach.
“Nigeria is proud of you. Your courage, ambition and determination have inspired millions of young athletes to dream bigger. Continue to fly the Nigerian spirit high wherever your careers take you,” Ochei concluded.
Sports
11 Days to AACT 2026: Munir Tijjani Assures of Nigeria’s Readiness, Government Support
Joel Ajayi
With 11 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the championship consultant, Munir Tijjani, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to host the continental women’s golf championship, citing the support of government agencies and key stakeholders.
Tijjani said preparations were progressing with the cooperation of relevant institutions and stakeholders, expressing optimism that Nigeria would deliver a successful championship that showcases the country’s organisational capacity and hospitality to participating African nations.
He noted that the support received from government agencies and other partners had been important to the preparations, helping to strengthen coordination and the arrangements required to welcome teams from across the continent.
The AACT consultant also assured participating countries and golfers that the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja would be open for the championship, expressing confidence in the venue’s readiness to host the competition.
The assurance comes as preparations enter their final phase ahead of the tournament, which will bring together women golfers representing their countries in a contest for continental honours.
For Nigeria, hosting the championship offers an opportunity to promote women’s golf, strengthen sporting relationships across Africa and showcase the country as a destination for international sporting events.
Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the Abuja golf course, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.
Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship aims to bring African nations together through women’s golf while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and broader continental cooperation.
With 11 days remaining, the Local Organising Committee and its partners are intensifying final preparations to ensure Nigeria welcomes Africa for a memorable championship.
11 DAYS TO GO.
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA.
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