Afaramai Survives Close Shave to Qualify for Boys 16s Semifinals

Nasarawa-born tennis player Heman Afaramai secured his place in the Boys 16s semifinals after a narrow escape in a close match. Afaramai, who had previously won the boys 16s title in three consecutive junior tournaments, narrowly avoided elimination by Godwin Akinfumiloye from Abuja. After a hard-fought tiebreaker, Afaramai managed to win the match 10-8, thanks to his two powerful forehand winners and a well-executed serve and volley combination.

Another Nigerian tennis prodigy, Dami Agunbiade from Calabar Sports Club, also navigated through the "group of death" to qualify for the semifinals. Two semifinal spots from Group B remain up for grabs.

In the Girls 14s category, fierce competition ensued for the semifinal berth. Adesinmi Olaniyan from Ondo State narrowly missed out, squandering three match points against Anu Odebode of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. The other three semifinalists are Khadijat Wuraola from Kwara State, Kimberly Ogundeji from Ogun State, and Barakat Ganiyu from Oyo State.

The boys 12s semifinals are also expected to be highly competitive. Godwin Afaramai, younger brother of the qualifying Heman, will face Abdulmalik Salau of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in the first semifinal. In the second semifinal, Raphael Awi from the Police College will take on Ademola Adejumobi from Ogun State. The Sapetro Futures Tennis tournament, held at the Mainland Tennis Club in the National Stadium, will conclude on Saturday with a grand finale starting at 12 noon.