Nigeria’s doubles pair, Canice Abua and Michael Emmanuel, defeated Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin and Khumoyun Sultanov 7–6 6–4 at the ITF Davis Cup tie in Lagos.
The closely fought encounter saw the Nigerians edge a tie-break first set before asserting control in the second to win in straight sets.
The victory boosted Nigeria’s Davis Cup campaign and drew loud cheers from home supporters at the Lagos venue.
In singles action, Daniel Adeleye beat Uzbekistan’s Khumoyun Sultanov 6–3, 6–4 in a reverse singles match.
Adeleye delivered a confident display, breaking serve at crucial moments to dominate both sets and secure another point for Nigeria. The result further lifted team morale and strengthened Nigeria’s position in the tie.
Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) president, Victor Ochei, described the success as a collective national achievement.
“It has been a long and difficult journey, but in the end we proved many doubters wrong,” Ochei said. “This victory belongs to Nigeria and shows that tennis has truly come to stay in this country.”
“Our next test is the playoff to World Group I, and we are prepared to make a strong global statement. Our boys proved that local players can compete and deliver at a high level.”
“By the quality of the games and organisation, I believe we did not disappoint Nigeria,” he concluded.