ITF JUNIOR TENNIS: EDWARDS UPSETS TOP SEED OGUNSAKIN TO CLAIM TITLE

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David Edwards has defeated top seed Seyi Ogunsakin 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 to win the boys’ singles title at the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 tournament in Ikeja, Lagos. Edwards recovered from a second-set collapse to secure victory in the deciding set on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

In the girls’ singles final, 13-year-old debutant Mofifunoluwa Atilola defeated eighth seed Bright Emmanuel 6-2, 6-1 to emerge champion. Atilola also partnered Goodnews Aina to win the girls’ doubles title, beating Adesewa Olaniyan and Gloria Samuel 6-4, 6-2. In the boys’ doubles, Ogunsakin and Stanley Oriala overcame Elisha Kwange and Gbolahan Olawale 6-4, 3-6, 13-11.

Atilola attributed her success to concentration and self-belief, expressing confidence ahead of the tournament’s second leg. She urged organisers to sustain the competition, saying regular events would give Nigerian players opportunities to earn international ranking points at home. Edwards said tactical discipline and adherence to his father’s game plan helped him overcome Ogunsakin.

Tournament coordinator Abimbola Okubewa praised the improvement in Nigerian players, noting their strong presence in the semi-finals and finals compared with the previous edition. He said the competition was important for developing future professionals and expressed hope that at least four or five similar tournaments could be organised annually. Matthew Holmes of Lagos Country Club also called for more regular competitions and greater corporate support for junior tennis.

The tournament attracted young players from nine countries and is being staged in two legs. The first ran from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7, while the second is scheduled for Nov. 9 to Nov. 14, offering players further opportunities to compete for international ranking points.

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