By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s women’s tennis team has secured a historic promotion to the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II after defeating hosts Botswana 2-1 in a thrilling promotional play-off in Gaborone.
The Nigerian side laid the foundation for victory through the impressive Success Ogunjobi, who continued her outstanding form with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Botswana’s Chelsea Chakanyuka in the opening singles match.
Led by coach Rotimi Akinloye, the team of Etoro Bassey, Success Ogunjobi, Khadijat Mohammed and Oyinlomo Quadre showed resilience and determination to clinch the decisive win, sealing promotion to the higher division of the prestigious international team competition.
The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigerian tennis and caps a remarkable campaign for the women’s national team, whose consistent performances throughout the tournament earned them a deserved place in Group II.
The promotion also completes a memorable year for Nigerian tennis after the men’s national team earlier secured promotion to the Davis Cup World Group II in 2026.
With both the men’s and women’s teams achieving promotion in the same year, Nigeria has recorded one of the country’s finest accomplishments in international tennis, underlining the steady progress of the sport and raising hopes for even greater success on the global stage.
