Top seed David Ekpeyong has cruised to the second round of men’s singles tennis events at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The tennis star, competing for Bayeslsa State, dispatched his Oyo State opponent Morakinyo Ridwan Adewale in two straight sets.
Ekpeyong cruised to victory winning 4-0, 4-0 in less than 30 minutes to set up second round match against
Rubi Toba of Taraba State.
Rubi Toba had earlier knocked out Benjamin Jeremiah of Kaduna State 5-3, 4-0.
” It was a good match, I have not been playing here for a while so I am happy to be back. My opponent is good but I think I am better and I believe my game will improve as the game goes on” Ekpeyong said after the match”.
Danjuma Lucky of FCT also progressed to the second round after dispatching his Imo State opponent Henry Nwosu.
He won 4-0, 4-0 to set second round match against Henry Aina of Ondo State who had earlier knocked out Abamu Mathew of Ekiti State.
In some other matches played in the men’s singles,
Abua Candice of Rivers State also progressed after beating Abdul Mohammed of Nasarawa State 4-2, 4-2. He will next face Mohammed Amir of (IJA) Invited Junior Athletes who defeated Akwaowo Akwa of Akwa Ibom State 4-2, 4-1.
Olabode Lawal of Lagos also progressed after beating Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo State 5-4 (5) 4-2. He will next face Abubarka Yusuf of FCT.
In the women’s singles events, Barakat Quadri of Delta State was in fine form, dispatching her opponent Iornumun Mary from Benue State 4-0, 4-0. She will next lock horns with Ekpeyong Rebecca of Bayelsa State.
Elsewhere, Maxwell Timipre of Rivers State also progressed to the second round after beating Paul Alice of Ondo State.
Ganiyu Fatima of Oyo State was no match for Omotayo Blessing of Edo, losing 4-1, 4-1. Omotayo will next face Adeusi Jesutoyosi of Ekiti State who progressed after beating Yakubu Oiza of Ogun State 4-2, 4-2.
Moses Favour of Kaduna State also progressed and will next face Udofa Mary.
