Injury forces Michael out of the competition
A major upset was recorded on Tuesday afternoon at the ongoing GSM Tennis Championship as a semi-finalist in the Juniors event at the maiden edition of the championship Emeka Gabriel Ogunjiofor knocked out tournament favourite and one of the best Tennis players in Nigeria at the moment, Yusuf Tosho in two straight sets.
The highly tensed game, played at the training court of the Lekan Salami Stadium saw Emeka win 6-0, 6-2, against his more experienced and highly rated opponent, to qualify for his first semi-final in the Men’s singles category.
Speaking with BCOS reporter Boluwaji Ogunmola after his shocking triumph, Emeka Ogunjiofor said the victory was a surprise to him too, as it was to every one.
“I never thought I would make it to the semifinal, I’m very grateful, my first first round game was relatively easy as I played against a junior of mine, but my second round game was more difficult as my opponent was my senior, but I defeated him”.
On sending Yusuf Tosho out of the competition, Emeka said, “I didn’t believe I was going to beat Bro Tosho, though in my mind I wanted to beat him, and I eventually did it in the quarter final”
“Now that I’m in the semi-final I am going to win the seniors title” he concluded.
Emeka’s opponent in the semifinal is Adewale Samson, who sent Seun Aborisade packing with a 6-3, 6-3 victory in the quarter final.
In the second semifinal pairing, Toriola Isiaka, who defeated Musa Abdulahi in the quarter final will face Olanrewaju Ajibade on Wednesday.
Ajibade made it to the semifinal following the early retirement of Akinmusere Michael who sustained injury when the scoreline was 3-6, 6-5.
In the Ladies singles category, Deborah Abiodun with face Israel Rachael in the semifinal on Wednesday morning. To reach the semifinal, Deborah defeated Afolabi Taiwo 6-1,6-3 in their quarterfinal match on Tuesday while Israel knocked out Ganiyu Fatimah following a 4-2, 1-4, 0-7 scoreline.
In the Junior U-16 boys category, wonderkid Ganiyu Mubarak defeated 8-year-old Ghazal Ashim 4-0, 4-1 in the second round match played on Tuesday afternoon.
The four day GSM Tennis Championship which started on Monday Feb 28 will end on Thursday March 3rd 2022.
