The 2024 National Sports Festival, held in Abeokuta, showcased the rising prominence of tennis in Nigeria, particularly highlighting the exceptional performance of Barakat Quadri, the nation’s top female seed. Quadri, representing Delta State, spearheaded her team to two gold medals, demonstrating an unwavering dominance throughout the tournament. Her exceptional skills and strategic prowess were evident in every match, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian tennis. The festival served as a testament to the growing talent pool within the nation and the increasing competitiveness of the sport.
Quadri’s journey to a double gold began with a resounding victory in the women’s singles final. Facing home favorite Yakubu Ohunene of Ogun State, Quadri displayed a masterclass of control and precision, dismantling her opponent with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. This victory not only secured her the individual gold but also set the stage for her subsequent triumph in the women’s doubles event. Partnering with Ronke Akingbade, Quadri replicated her dominant form, overcoming the challenge posed by Edo State’s Lovely Holzendorf and Blessing Omotayo. The Delta State duo maintained their composure throughout the match, securing a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory and claiming their second gold medal.
The men’s events also witnessed moments of intense competition and remarkable individual performances. Christopher Bulus, representing Ogun State, emerged as the men’s singles champion, displaying a commanding performance against David Ekpeyong of Bayelsa State. Bulus’s aggressive play and strategic court coverage allowed him to secure the first set 6-2 and establish a 2-0 lead in the second before Ekpeyong was forced to retire due to injury. Bulus continued his winning streak in the men’s doubles, partnering with Azeez Aleem to overcome the Bayelsa State pair of Ekpeyong and Uche Oparaoji. The Ogun State duo staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set, showcasing their resilience and teamwork to eventually claim the gold medal.
The mixed doubles final presented a unique challenge for Quadri, as she sought a coveted hat-trick of gold medals. Partnering with Ikechukwu Iloputa, Quadri faced the formidable Ogun State pairing of Bulus and Ohunene. Despite a valiant effort, Quadri and Iloputa were unable to overcome their opponents, falling short in a 6-1, 6-4 defeat. While the hat-trick remained elusive, Quadri’s overall performance at the festival solidified her status as a leading figure in Nigerian tennis.
The 2024 National Sports Festival also served as a barometer for the overall growth and development of tennis in Nigeria. The quality of matches and the level of competition witnessed throughout the tournament underscored the significant strides made in the sport. Ifedayo Akindoju, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the standard of play, highlighting the epic nature of the final matches. He acknowledged the high level of competition and the evident improvement in the players’ skills and athleticism. This positive assessment further emphasizes the growing potential of Nigerian tennis and the promising future that lies ahead.
The festival served as a launching pad for emerging talent, while established players like Quadri reaffirmed their dominance. The event showcased the depth of talent within the country and highlighted the increasing competitiveness of Nigerian tennis on both the national and international stage. The commitment and dedication of the athletes, coupled with the support of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, are key factors driving the growth of the sport. The future of Nigerian tennis appears bright, with a new generation of players emerging and experienced athletes continuing to elevate their game. The 2024 National Sports Festival undoubtedly marked a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Nigerian tennis.
