Tennis stars converge on Abuja for NPA tourney

The tournament initially scheduled to commence on November 25 was shifted to this weekend just as most of the players who stormed the Federal Capital Territory straight from the Governor’s Cup tournament in Lagos for the tournament complained that they were not informed of the postponement.It was gathered from the Nigeria Tennis Federation that preliminary […]

The tournament initially scheduled to commence on November 25 was shifted to this weekend just as most of the players who stormed the Federal Capital Territory straight from the Governor’s Cup tournament in Lagos for the tournament complained that they were not informed of the postponement.
It was gathered from the Nigeria Tennis Federation that preliminary matches involving at least 64 players would take place between Friday (yesterday) to Sunday while the competition proper will commence on Monday after the 32 player main draw.
The Tournament will attract most of the tennis stars who took part in the recently concluded 14th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Tournament which ended on November 22. Nigerian player Moses Michael emerged winner in the men’s singles.
Some of the stars who spoke to SHOT! said they will give their best to win the tournament to make up for their sloppy performances at the Governor’s Cup tournament.
Sarah Adegoke who lost the women’s finals 0-6, 1-6 to Zarah Razafinmahatratra of Madagascar said she has put that defeat behind her and is looking forward to the Abuja tournament.
“Even though I played in the finals of the Governor’s Cup, I was not satisfied with my performance. I can’t say that I lived up to expectations. I trained really hard for the tournament but I just didn’t play the kind of tennis I wanted to play.
“However, I have since shifted attention to the NPA tournament which I want to win to make up for the loss in Lagos. I want to step up my game and see what will come out of it.
“My morale is high because I really have to motivate myself. Sometimes you win and sometimes, you lose so it is nothing to weigh me down. At least, I left the tournament with a medal to show for my effort so I am not demoralised,” he said.
Nigeria’s number one player, Clifford Enosoregbe who failed to reach the finals of the Governor’s Cup said he hopes to play better in the Abuja tournament.
“Even though the tournament proper will start on Monday, I will be coming over to Abuja on Friday (yesterday) to acclimatize. I want to have a feel of the Abuja weather before the tournament commences.
“I will give my best because I did not perform to up to expectations in the Governor’s Cup. I will show more determination and try to win my matches.
“I have moved on with my career after the Governor’s Cup because everything that happened there is now history. I want to see what will come out of the NPA tournament for me,” he said.
Joseph Imeh on his part said he is working really hard to win the Abuja tournament. He said he has since upped his training so as to be in the right shape for hostilities.
“I am working really hard on my game to perform better than I did in the Governor’s Cup. In Lagos, my performance did not live up to my expectations as I exited early.
“I know the competition in Abuja will be high but I am ready for the challenge. I have adjusted my training schedule. I have relocated from Lagos to Abuja where I am presently training.
“I have since adapted to the weather in Abuja and waiting for the tournament to commence. I hope to make up for my lack-lustre performance in Lagos,” he stated.