28th April, 2015
Damilare Okunola/Abuja
Following a very impressive start to the ongoing Tombim Abuja ITF Futures in Nigeria’s Federal Capital, Nigerian players are beginning to beam with confidence, stating that they will try to win the tournament.
In separate interviews with our correspondent who is monitoring the event in Abuja, the players’ confidence stems from their breathtaking wins over their more fancied opponents in the first round of the tournament.
“Now, many of us have a point each on the ITF ranking,” Clifford Enosoregbe, Nigeria’s number one player noted.
“I am sure if we play our game, it is not impossible for one of us to just win the tournament. Nigerian players have been really impressive here and I hope we can continue that way,” he added.
Henry Atseye, who also dealt a Croatian a devastating blow when he won in two straight sets, noted that caution has to be taken as the tourney progresses.
“I believe in our abilities and what we can do. I really look forward advancing beyond the quarter-final of the competition because that is the farthest – have ever gone.
“Taking the games as they come will help us tackle any unlikely pressure. But, this is our ground and we should think we can deliver the goods on the courts,” the CBN 2013 Men’s Singles Winner said.
Another promising player, Moses Michael, stated that with the confidence he has gained while playing on the ITF Tours, he hopes that he can go one better than his first round feat.
“Like I told you a few days ago, the confidence level is high. I hope that it fetches me better points than what I presently have,” the 2014 Abridged Governor’s Cup Winner, stated.
The Nigerian players all battle for second round slots on Wednesday as they hope to build on the momentum from the first round.