Sports
Tennis Players Struggle For Honours In PH
As the 2nd edition of
Keves Global Leasing Tennis Tournament hots up in Port Harcourt players contest for honours at the various categories of the tournament are making last minutes effort to win various prizes.
The tournament which kicked off on January 19 at the Port Harcourt Club 1928 tennis section is expected to climax on February 2, 2014.
Tidesports gathered that inspite of several walk-overs, the tournament has been going on without hitches at the various courts.
In the Centre Court, Nigeria’s former number one junior tennis champion, Sunday Maku is to clash with the Captain of the section, Emma Obiora to get to the semi finals while the Sports Secretary of Port Harcourt Club 1928, Dele Maku is to seat it out with his younger brother, Kunle Mkau, who had earlier beat his opponent, Fedel Cocoodia 6-3 and retired to grab the quarter final ticket.
In court one, a total of 14 players are vying for honours. C.J. Amunadi is to meet Ernest elochukwu, who earlier won his game against S. rekosima 3-6, 6-2,6-4, while Pat Ugorji sent R. Azotani packing with 6-3, 6-2 defeat.
The Star game between Cosmos Ntemuse and Chuks Ojukwu, the punisher, ended 6-2,4-6 and 7-5 in favour of the former, as Emenike Nwokeoji beat M. Aghosi 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, while J. Nwaja walked over C. Ogbonnaya.
At the veteran category, Karibi George walked-over E. Emordi, and T. Dokubo also walk-over M. Aadum, as well as mark Yebufra over R. Nzimiro, while Emma Afangide beat Diamond Tobin-West 7-5 before he retired.
Its going to e an exciting game in ourt Two as I. Williams slug it out with A. Jaja, who earlier won H. Briggs 6-2, before he retired, while E. Ogigbehme walked-over P. Enyia as well as Charles Oruitemeka, who also walked over F. Omubo-Pepple to the next level.
In Court Three, T. Azike has moved to semi final as his opponent, Boma Lyaye defected while F. Imangs walked-over B. Elomobi, as O’nari Brown awaits any qualifier in quarter final, leaving S. Umeh, F. Obi, T. Garando and Lee Akpuloma to struggle it out in Court Four.
The Chairman, Tournament Committee of Tennis section, Port Harcourt Club, Cosmos Ntemuse said the games are progressing very well and the participating spirit very high, and disclosed that mouth-watering lots of prizes are to be won in the tournament.
The grand finale is slated for February 2, 2014 at the same venue.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
