Afaramai Survives Close Shave to Reach Boys’ 16s Semifinals

Posted : 25 September 2026

Heman Afaramai survived a tense group-stage encounter with Abuja-based Godwin Akinfumiloye to reach the boys’ 16s semifinals at the ongoing Sapetro Futures Tennis Tournament. The Nasarawa-born player was pushed to the limit before producing a late comeback to keep his title defence alive.

Afaramai, who has won the boys’ 16s title at the last three junior tournaments, split the opening sets with Akinfumiloye. He then found himself trailing 3-5 before falling 5-7 behind in the decisive tie-break.

With elimination looming, Afaramai responded with two well-executed forehand winners. He then followed with a serve-and-volley combination to complete the comeback and win the tie-break 10-8.

The victory allowed Afaramai to escape one of the most competitive groups at the tournament. Dami Agunbiade of Calabar Sports Club also advanced from the same group, which produced several closely contested matches.

The remaining semifinal places in Group B were still being contested as the tournament entered its final stages. Afaramai's victory kept his hopes of winning another boys’ 16s title firmly alive.

The girls’ 14s competition also produced a dramatic battle for the semifinal places. Adesinmi Olaniyan of Ondo State missed out after surrendering three match points against Anu Odebode of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in the deciding set.

Khadijat Wuraola of Kwara State, Kimberly Ogundeji of Ogun State and Barakat Ganiyu of Oyo State secured the other girls’ 14s semifinal places. Their progress sets up further competition as the tournament moves towards its final day.

The boys’ 12s category has also reached the semifinal stage. Godwin Afaramai, Heman's younger brother, will face Abdulmalik Salau of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in the first semifinal.

Raphael Awi of the Police College will meet Ademola Adejumobi of Ogun State in the other boys’ 12s semifinal. Both matches are expected to provide further opportunities for the tournament's emerging players to compete under pressure.

The Sapetro Futures Tennis Tournament is being held at the Mainland Tennis Club inside the National Stadium in Lagos. The competition brings together young players across several age categories.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, September 26, with the grand finale scheduled to begin at noon. Afaramai will now look to carry the momentum from his dramatic quarter-final escape into the decisive stage of the boys’ 16s competition.

Afaramai Survives Close Shave to Reach Boys’ 16s Semifinals

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics