By Vivian Ahanmisi

Mofifuoluwa Atilola defeated Precious Ohimai on Saturday to win gold in the U-16 girls’ final of the sixth Alhaji Adewale Issa Foundation Junior Tennis Championship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was staged at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The U-16 girls’ final was a thrilling clash, with Atilola and Ohimai battling fiercely for the prestigious gold medal.

Atilola, 16, beat Ohimai 6-1, 6-1 to secure the title, confirming her status as a top contender in the tournament.

Her victory reinforced her position as a leading player in the championship and showcased her consistency, strength, and tactical brilliance.

The final was competitive, with both athletes demonstrating outstanding skill, resilience, and strategic awareness throughout the match.

Atilola’s win not only earned her the gold medal but also strengthened her reputation as a rising star in Nigerian junior tennis.

“I’m thrilled to have won the tournament. I’m excited and grateful for this victory,” Atilola told NAN after the match.

She added, “After losing in the U-14 category last year, I was determined to come back stronger in the U-16. I’m glad I achieved that.

“It gives me more motivation to return next year and attempt to win back-to-back,” she said.

In spite of the loss, Ohimai’s impressive performance secured her the silver medal, reaffirming her place among the sport’s promising stars.

In the U-16 boys’ final, David Edwards defeated Marvelous Bolarinwa 6-4, 3-0 to claim gold, after Bolarinwa retired following a series of tough rallies.

His retirement handed Edwards the win.

Edwards, a former Nigerian No. 1 junior player now based in the United States, expressed joy after clinching victory against Bolarinwa.

“I’m thrilled to have come out on top, though I’m sorry Marvelous had to retire.

“I’m just focused on taking it one match at a time and giving my best. This win boosts my confidence for future challenges,” he added.

In the U-12 boys’ final, Kingsley Godwin defeated Emmanuel Ogungbe 4-6, 6-3, 14-12 to take gold, while Mabubat Razaki beat Grace Oritigbemi 6-2, 6-2.

Godwin’s resilience and determination earned him victory, highlighting his potential as a rising talent in the championship.

Success Godwin overcame Tiffany Oshi 6-0, 6-3 in the U-14 girls’ category, while Alex Barnabas edged his opponent 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the U-14 boys’.

Speaking to NAN, Sikirat Adigun-Issa, eldest daughter of the late Adewale Issa, said the tournament remains vital for discovering and nurturing tennis talent in Nigeria.

“I am delighted to see such talent and dedication on display. Many past participants have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally,” she said.

She congratulated all winners and participants, praising their commitment and urging them to continue working hard to achieve greatness in tennis.

“Their dedication is commendable. Some of you will surely go on to achieve remarkable things for Nigeria,” she added.

The prizes are designed to inspire young players and support grassroots tennis development in Nigeria.

The tournament has significantly raised the standard of tennis among Nigerian youngsters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo