Finalists set for CBN Junior Tennis showdown at Ikoyi Club
The semifinal stage of the CBN Junior Tennis Championship wrapped up yesterday at the National Stadium courts in Surulere, Lagos, setting the stage for a grand finale at Ikoyi Club
The semifinal stage of the CBN Junior Tennis Championship wrapped up yesterday at the National Stadium courts in Surulere, Lagos, setting the stage for a grand finale at Ikoyi Club 1938 today.In the Boys 16s category, Damilola Agunbiade of Cross River survived a scare to edge out Wisdom Effiong 9-8, while Heman Afaramai eased past Joel Michael 9-4 to book his spot in the final.
The Girls 16s produced equally compelling action. Gloria Samuel defeated Barakat Ganiyu 9-2 in the first semifinal, before Favour James outclassed Omoyinka Ayinla 9-4 to set up a title clash with Samuel today.
In the Boys 14s, Godwin Afaramai beat Divine Ezaka 9-6, Alaba Adesinka claimed a 9-5 win over Abdulkarim Mohammed, and Gideon Peter delivered the day's most emphatic result, dispatching Best Babalola 9-0.
Reflecting on his narrow win, Damilola was measured: "Some games are like that, and it is what it is. My focus now is on Saturday's final, and with God on my side, I know I will win."
Championship coordinator Godwin Kienka praised the players for raising the championship's standard, singling out Damilola Agbabiaka as having displayed skills that surpassed even the level seen at the 2025 finals. He also commended Heman Afaramai and Pinky Onyemenam for their consistency throughout the week-long event.
