VEMP Wheelchair Tennis Tourney: Adewale, Yusuf Play Final Again

IKPO IGBINOBA 

Chronic rivals, Alex Adewale and Wasiu Yusuf will clash this morning at the centre-court of the National Stadium in Surulere to draw the curtain on the 1st VEMP Wheelchair Tennis Open Championship.

The duo on Wednesday shrugged off the opposition from their opponents to set the stage for a repeat of what has become the story of Wheelchair Tennis in the country for over a decade.

Top seed of the tournament and champion for ten years, Adewale overcame a robust resistance by Akanbi Kazeem 6-3, 6-4.

Yusuf, who was seeded number two for the tournament, survived an initial scare before dismissing his ambitious opponent  Ukari Williams. 

The game ended 2-6, 6-3, 10-3.

In the ladies category fourth seed, Foluke  Sodeinde caused a major upset by torpedoing top seed Chitiru Nwanozuzu 6-4, 2-6, 10-1.

In the other semi-final, second seed Omisore Kafayat humbled third seed Oluwakemi Oluwasegun  7-6, 6-4.

Foluke who also plays Wheelchair Basketball told reporters after her sensational victory that she was ready to put in her best to win the star prize of N100,000.

“I won’t let this chance to be a champion slip. l will put in my best in the final” the giant-killing Foluke said.

She will however need to overcome Kafayat in the final if she must achieve her dream.

Meanwhile, organisers of the championship have announced that the closing ceremony will commence at 11 am at the centre-court of the National Stadium.

Head of the Wheelchair Department of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Mr Lateef Shodipo said plans had been put in place to ensure that the closing ceremony was colourful.

According to him “We are ready for a colourful ceremony. Apart from very exciting games in the final, we have also invited some distinguished personalities to come and grace the occasion”. 

“The day is another special day for us to celebrate our sports Wheelchair Tennis”.

Over N1.3 million is on offer as prizes plus trophies.