By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) says Nigeria’s 4-0 Davis Cup defeat to Morocco will not overshadow the country’s progress on the international stage, with President Victor Ochei vowing to deepen ongoing reforms.
Nigeria’s campaign in the Davis Cup World Group II ended at the Railway Club courts in Rabat on Sunday, after hosts Morocco completed a 4-0 victory.
Morocco had taken a commanding 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. The hosts then secured the tie with two more wins on Sunday.
Despite the setback, Ochei described Nigeria’s return to the World Group II level as a major milestone.
“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,” Ochei said.
“That in itself is the highest level Nigeria has reached in Davis Cup history. That is success, not failure.”
The NTF president also pointed to the absence of key players as a factor in the outcome. Daniel Adeleye missed the tie through injury, while teenage sensation Oluwaseun Ogunsakin was unable to join the squad in Morocco because of travel logistics and conditioning concerns.
Ogunsakin had recently made history by becoming the first Nigerian in 35 years to feature at the US Open Junior Championship.
Ochei praised Canice Abua, Yusuf Abubakar and Michael Emmanuel for their commitment, saying the experience gained in Morocco would be valuable to their development.
He further reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to youth development, increased international exposure and private-sector funding as part of its broader reform agenda.
“This setback in Morocco will not derail us. We will remain in World Group II Playoffs next year and we will come back stronger,” Ochei said.
“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.”
Ochei also commended the players and head coach Benson Ishicheli for their efforts, while thanking the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, for its support.
Morocco’s victory earns the North African nation a place in the 2027 Davis Cup World Group I Playoffs.
