₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozp2U0jo9JE?si=NpTCi62TCdyhkEWh

The Davis Cup is a global tennis tournament between men's national teams. The teams are divided into groups (kind of like divisions in football).

In the old days there was the World Group, which had the best tennis national teams in the world and then there were regional groups. Nigeria played in the Euro-Africa Zone Group 1 in the 1980s and early 1990s and we were trying to get promoted to the world group.

However, we got relegated to Euro-Africa Zone Group 2 and I remember that we played a promotion match against Britain in 1996 but lost. We have been relegated since then and I lost touch with the competition.

Today the regional groups have been abolished and what we have are World Group 1, World Group 2, World Group 3 and World Group 4.

For the first time since the early 1990s, Nigeria has been promoted to the World Group 2, which is the second division of the Davis Cup. That means that we'll have the chance to get promoted to World Group 1, depending on how we perform later this year.

Nigeria sweep Uzbekistan in Lagos Davis Cup tie

The victory boosted Nigeria’s Davis Cup campaign
February 8, 2026

Nigeria’s doubles pair, Canice Abua and Michael Emmanuel, defeated Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin and Khumoyun Sultanov 7–6, 6–4 at the ITF Davis Cup tie in Lagos.

The closely fought encounter saw the Nigerians edge a tie-break first set before asserting control in the second to win in straight sets.

The victory boosted Nigeria’s Davis Cup campaign and drew loud cheers from home supporters at the Lagos venue.

In singles action, Daniel Adeleye beat Uzbekistan’s Khumoyun Sultanov 6–3, 6–4 in a reverse singles match.

Adeleye delivered a confident display, breaking serve at crucial moments to dominate both sets and secure another point for Nigeria.

The result further lifted team morale and strengthened Nigeria’s position in the tie.

Speaking to NAN, Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) president, Victor Ochei, described the success as a collective national achievement.

“It has been a long and difficult journey, but in the end we proved many doubters wrong,” Mr Ochei said.

He stressed that the triumph went beyond match victories to building a lasting foundation for tennis development in Nigeria.

“This victory belongs to Nigeria and shows that tennis has truly come to stay in this country,” he added.

Mr Ochei said attention had now shifted to the World Group I playoffs, expressing confidence in the team’s readiness.

“Our next test is the playoff to World Group I, and we are prepared to make a strong global statement,” he said.

He noted that Uzbekistan were considered stronger on paper but praised Nigeria’s players for rising to the challenge.

“Our boys proved that local players can compete and deliver at a high level,” Mr Ochei added.

Mr Ochei also commended the organisation of the tie, crediting stakeholders for ensuring a successful event.

“By the quality of the games and organisation, I believe we did not disappoint Nigeria,” he said.

Adeleye expressed confidence in his future, attributing his progress to careful planning, discipline and coaching support.

“My journey did not happen by accident; preparations started long before I stepped onto the court,” he said.

The 19-year-old said challenges such as travel and weather had not distracted his focus on steady improvement.

Formerly competing for Zimbabwe before switching allegiance, Adeleye said he was proud to represent Nigeria

“Playing for Nigeria gives me extra motivation and belief against any opponent,” he said.

He added that exposure from tournaments in Angola, Rwanda and the United States had strengthened his mindset.

Describing himself as hardworking and ambitious, Adeleye said he was determined to keep progressing and making Nigeria proud globally. (NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/nigeria-sports-news/855258-nigeria-sweep-uzbekistan-in-lagos-davis-cup-tie.html

Nigeria Tennis Live @naijatennislive

Nigeria defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 to secure promotion to World Group II for the first time in about three decades!

World Group II Playoffs qualification in 2024
World Group II Playoffs qualification in 2025
WORLD GROUP II QUALIFICATION IN 2026!

See y’all in World Group II 💪🏽💪🏽

https://x.com/i/status/2020570616651305322




Photos 2, 3 and 4) The matches were held at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club on Lagos Island

Atmosphere.

Nigeria fans couldn’t hold back their excitement as Nigeria’s No.1, David Adeleye, battled through muscle cramps to win the decisive game, swinging the tie back in Nigeria’s favour. He defeated Abdelaziz Usmonjonov 2–1 in Match Two of the Davis Cup World Group II playoffs. ✊🏾🇳🇬… pic.twitter.com/1aBWIzJ9rO

— Brila Media (@Brilamedia) February 7, 2026

Congrats to the team. Good job.

That davis cup tho...it's a long totem pole.

Hope we will meet Abegistan in group stage.

omoredia:
Now Seun is being paid to make irrelevant distractions.

@seun do the needful, this person needs to serve a long ban for false claims.

Yes, Nigerian Tennis is evolving.
The era of Jonathan Igbinovia and co is coming back.
ITTF should bring on Rogers Federer, Rafael Nadal and others. We are going to crush them. 😄🤣😃

I love this game. Havent held a racquet in more than 10 year's, so many memories

benardtotti:
@seun do the needful, this person needs to serve a long ban for false claims.

Hehe u wan swear with juju? If u want with APC u must promote lies nah. I know as it works

You can never see this game on sporty bet, cus them know say Nigerians go too win by staking on Nigeria

Wow, this is a remarkable achievement. For tennis lovers this is not a mean feat. Dennis Istomin is a big name in Tennis even if is now approaching twilight of his career. Sultanov is a seasoned challengers campaigner able to pull off occasional shocks against the big boys in the top 100. I know they will not be celebrated the like the golden bronzes we usually get from the Super Eagles. Ndukka Odizor and other Nigerian great tennis players of the yesteryears will be proud of this

omoredia:
Hehe u wan swear with juju? If u want with APC u must promote lies nah. I know as it works

You need to have your life examined. What has this article got to do with APC or politics? Some you are gradually entering very bad mental state because of APC without knowing it.

goslowgoslow:
You need to have your life examined. What has this article got to do with APC or politics? Some you are gradually entering very bad mental state because of APC without knowing it.

A whole lot of them are . By the time they'll realise it It would have been too late .

We have potential in tennis but it needs a lot of funding. A smart corporate body can get huge mileage by investing in talent at an early age. Imagine you sponsored a Djokovic, Nadal or Federer when they were young. Your PR would be off the charts.

Abegistan beat uzbekistan