Top-seeded David Ekpeyong of Bayelsa State made a dominant start to his men’s singles campaign at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, breezing past Oyo State’s Morakinyo Adewale 4-0, 4-0 in under 30 minutes.
Ekpeyong, who controlled the match from the outset, will face Rubi Toba of Taraba State in the second round. Toba secured his own passage with a 5-3, 4-0 win against Kaduna’s Benjamin Jeremiah.
Reflecting on his performance, Ekpeyong said, “It was a good match. I’m happy to be back on court. My opponent was solid, but I was better today. I believe I’ll get sharper as the tournament progresses.”
Joining Ekpeyong in the next round is Danjuma Lucky of the FCT, who delivered an identical 4-0, 4-0 victory over Henry Nwosu of Imo State. Lucky will now take on Ondo State’s Henry Aina, who ousted Ekiti’s Abamu Mathew.
Rivers State’s Abua Candice advanced with a 4-2, 4-2 win over Abdul Mohammed of Nasarawa. Candice is set to face Mohammed Amir of IJA, who defeated Akwaowo Akwa of Akwa Ibom 4-2, 4-1.
Lagos’ Olabode Lawal edged past Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo in a competitive 5-4(5), 4-2 contest. He will next meet Abubakar Yusuf of the FCT.
In the women’s singles draw, Delta State’s Barakat Quadri posted a flawless 4-0, 4-0 win against Iornumun Mary of Benue to move into the second round, where she will meet Bayelsa’s Rebecca Ekpeyong.
Other notable results saw Rivers’ Maxwell Timipre defeat Alice Paul of Ondo, while Edo’s Omotayo Blessing cruised past Oyo’s Ganiyu Fatima 4-1, 4-1. Blessing will play Adeusi Jesutoyosi of Ekiti, who defeated Ogun’s Yakubu Oiza 4-2, 4-2.
Kaduna’s Moses Favour also booked a second-round spot and will take on Udofa Mary in the next stage.
The tennis event continues today at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex with more matches across both singles categories.
