Tennis triggers buzz at 2nd Niger Delta Games News

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Tennis triggers buzz at 2nd Niger Delta Games

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 24, 2026

The tennis event at the second Niger Delta Games has drawn large crowds, with spectators filling the terraces to watch young players compete for honours across singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories.

All nine participating states are contesting for podium finishes in both the men’s and women’s events, as the action unfolds at the refurbished tennis arena of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The renovated facility has provided a fitting stage for the competition, with many of the athletes expressing excitement at playing on upgraded courts.

Itiako Ikpokpo, chairman of the main organising committee, said the tournament reflects the broader objective of the games.

“That is the essence of the Niger Delta Games, providing a platform for young people from villages and towns across the Niger Delta region to be exposed to facilities that can accelerate their talent development,” he said.

While the competition is open to athletes up to the age of 20, many of the standout performers have been significantly younger, particularly in the women’s category.

Their presence has captured the attention of spectators, who have watched closely as they battled against older and more physically imposing opponents.

Among them is 10-year-old Karina Opuene of Bayelsa State, who exited in the second round of the women’s singles but gained valuable experience from the tournament.

A Primary 6 pupil at Immaculate Ideas Academy in Yenagoa, she admitted to some nerves during media interactions but showed clear ambition.

Opuene has previously represented Nigeria at Under-12 tournaments across Africa and named world number one Aryna Sabalenka as her role model. She also spoke of her aspiration to compete at Grand Slam level in the future.

In the women’s draw, Edo State’s Lorelay Holzendorff S Peer has progressed to the semi-finals and is considered one of the favourites for the title. She faces Etorro Bassey of Akwa Ibom State in the last four.

Holzendorff S Peer said she had enjoyed her first appearance at the Niger Delta Games.

“It has been fun and an experience for me as a player,” she said.

“Although this is not my first tournament in Nigeria, it is my first time at the Niger Delta Games. It has taken hard work to get to this stage, and I am looking forward to reaching the final.”

She added that she views tennis as a pathway to a professional career and hopes to compete in Europe in the years ahead.

In the men’s event, Wisdom Chibuzor of Abia State was scheduled to face Rahman Ahmed of Ondo State for a place in the final, where the winner would meet either Obinna Chinedu of Abia State or Wisdom Effiong of Akwa Ibom State.

The women’s semi-finals will see Bassey take on Holzendorff S Peer, while Suwa Nenrot of Edo State meets Favour James of Akwa Ibom State, as the competition intensifies in Benin City.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 24, 2026