Lagos J30: Ogunsakin Secures Revenge, Manneni Triumphs in Girls’ Singles

Posted : 15 November 2026

Nigeria’s Seyi Ogunsakin secured his maiden boys’ singles title at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 tournament in Lagos, overcoming David Edward in the second-leg final.

The top seed bounced back from his first-leg final defeat to Edward to claim the title at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, completing a remarkable turnaround in the two-leg competition.

In the girls’ singles final, India’s Tejaswi Manneni defeated Nigeria’s second seed, Goodnews Aina, 6-3, 7-5 to emerge champion.

Manneni controlled the opening set before Aina mounted a spirited challenge in the second, but the Indian maintained her composure to seal victory.

Nigeria, however, celebrated success in both doubles categories, with Goodnews Aina and Gloria Samuel claiming the girls’ doubles title.

The top seeds defeated second seeds Oluwalashe Agunbiade and Chimezurum Ogualu 3-6, 6-2, 10-4.

In the boys’ doubles final, Elisha Kwange and Gbolahan Olawale overcame Oliwier Kowzan and Ivo Sampayo 6-4, 6-4 to secure the title.

Ogunsakin, who hails from Ekiti, described his victory as an important milestone in his career, particularly after missing out in the first-leg final.

“I am very happy because it is a big tournament. I wanted revenge after losing in the first leg, and I am glad I did it,” he said.

He attributed his success to experience gained from previous competitions, adding that his earlier victories had strengthened his belief.

“This is not my first tournament. If I can win other tournaments, I can win this one too,” he said.

Manneni also expressed delight at winning the title after reaching the semi-finals during the first leg.

“It feels really good. I am happy that I was able to pull through,” she said.

She explained that approaching the final without unnecessary pressure helped her concentrate on delivering her best performance.

“My mindset was to go and play. If I give my best and lose, that is fine. I am happy as long as I give my best,” she said.

Saidu Musa, Technical Director of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), said the performance of Nigerian players had improved significantly since the introduction of J30 tournaments in Abuja in 2018.

He noted that the growing number of Nigerian finalists and champions reflected increasing competitiveness among local junior players on the international circuit.

“There has been quite a lot of improvement in the performance of our Nigerian players. Most of them are now reaching finals and winning tournaments,” he said.

Musa commended Paul Moses for his investment in junior tennis development, calling for more partnerships to sustain the progress.

“We owe him a lot of gratitude for what he is doing. We look forward to more partnerships with him for the development of tennis in Nigeria,” he said.

Similarly, Tochukwu Adino, President of Mainland Tennis Club, praised the standard of competition, describing the performances as impressive for emerging players.

“The tournament standard is high. I never expected to see this level of quality tennis being displayed by upcoming players,” he said.

Adino also acknowledged Moses’ sponsorship, stressing that sustained private-sector investment remained important to developing junior tennis in the country.

Meanwhile, Paul Moses, founder of Tiger Tennis Foundation and tournament director, described the competition as successful, highlighting increased participation among junior players.

He disclosed that the qualifying draw was fully subscribed for the first time, with several players placed on the waiting list.

“The competition was incredible. For the first time, we had a full qualifying draw and a long alternate list,” he said.

Moses also praised 13-year-old Mofifunoluwa Atilola, who won the first-leg girls’ singles title before reaching the semi-finals in the second leg.

He said staging more J30 tournaments in Nigeria would provide local players with opportunities to earn international ranking points without incurring the high costs associated with competing abroad.

“When we host more tournaments at home, players can improve their rankings, secure college scholarships and build professional careers,” he said.

The Lagos J30 tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness of Nigerian junior tennis, with Ogunsakin claiming his maiden singles title and local players winning both doubles championships. Organisers and tennis officials also stressed the importance of sustained investment and hosting more international junior tournaments to strengthen the development of young players in Nigeria.

Lagos J30: Ogunsakin Secures Revenge, Manneni Triumphs in Girls’ Singles

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