21st January, 2013
By Damilare Okunola
Nigeria’s male wheelchair tennis players yesterday, qualified the country for the World Team Cup.
The players, Jude Uwaze and Wasiu Yusuf who achieved this feat at the qualifying tournament in Kenya, defeated their Egyptian counterparts 3-0 to emerge winners of the African Championship.
Jude Uwaze defeated Hassan Mohammed in straight sets of 6-0,6-2, while Wasiu Yusuf proved too strong for a resilient Aly Mohamed in a thrilling encounter that ended in 6-4, 6-1 in the Men’s Singles. The Egyptian pair were no match for their Nigerian counterparts in the doubles as they fell 6-2, 6-0 to the West Africans. Expressing his delight after the match, Jude said that he was so excited to have won the match, adding that going to Turkey makes him feel good.
“It was quite easy for me because I played very well. Going to Turkey excites me and I’m sure we’ll be ready when it is time,” Jude said.
Nigeria’s number one wheelchair tennis player, Wasiu, expressed his delight at the qualification for the World Team Cup.
“I’m very happy to have won the matches. The level of competition has increased and teams have improved greatly,” he said.
Nigeria qualified for the Men’s World Group 2 without dropping a game, having defeated Mauritius and Ghana before seeing off Egypt in the final.
The players and their coaches are expected back to the country today as they begin preparations for the World Championship billed to hold in Turkey, in May, 2013.