Ochei Vows More Tennis Reforms After Davis Cup Defeat, Says Morocco Setback Will Not Derail Nigeria’s Progress

• NTF president says Morocco setback will not derail Nigeria’s progress

Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) President, Victor Ochei, has vowed to press ahead with reforms aimed at developing the country’s next generation of tennis stars despite Nigeria’s 4-0 defeat to Morocco in the Davis Cup World Group II tie in Rabat.

Nigeria’s campaign ended at the Railway Club courts on Sunday after Morocco completed a dominant victory over the visitors.

The hosts had taken a 2-0 lead on Saturday, with Karim Bennani defeating Canice Abua 6-1, 6-2 before Yassine Dlimi recorded an identical victory over Yusuf Abubakar.

Morocco sealed the tie with further victories on Sunday to book a place in the 2027 World Group I Playoffs.

Despite the heavy defeat, Ochei described Nigeria’s campaign as a significant milestone, pointing to the country’s promotion to World Group II earlier this year.

“We must put this in proper context. In February, Nigeria defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, to earn promotion to World Group II for the first time in 30 years.

“That in itself is the highest level Nigeria has reached in Davis Cup history. That is success, not failure,” Ochei said in a statement issued by his media aide on Monday.

He attributed part of Nigeria’s difficulties in Morocco to the absence of key players, including Daniel Adeleye, who withdrew because of injury, and teenage prospect Oluwaseun Ogunsakin, who could not join the team because of travel logistics and conditioning concerns.

Ogunsakin recently made history by becoming the first Nigerian in 35 years to feature at the US Open Junior Championship.

“When you go into a tie of this magnitude in North Africa without your number one and without Seun Ogunsakin, who has just broken a 35-year Grand Slam jinx for Nigeria at the US Open, it will affect the outcome one way or the other,” Ochei said.

He, however, praised Canice Abua, Yusuf Abubakar and Michael Emmanuel for their efforts, saying the experience gained in Morocco would benefit the players.

Ochei said the NTF would continue to focus on youth development, international exposure and private-sector funding as part of its long-term development strategy.

“This setback in Morocco will not derail us. We will remain in World Group II Playoffs next year and we will come back stronger.

“Our focus is clear: build a new generation of Nigerian tennis stars that can compete and win at the highest level globally. The reforms have just started,” he said.

The NTF president also commended head coach Benson Ishicheli and the players for their commitment, while thanking the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, for its support.

Morocco’s victory secured its place in the 2027 Davis Cup World Group I Playoffs.

Click here to read article