Second round action at the Dala Hard Court Championship begins on Wednesday in the men’s field, with Joseph Imeh, Sylvester Emmanuel among those shooting for a place in the quarter-finals.
In the women’s field, Nigeria’s former No. 1, Christy Agugbom and teenage star, Oyinlomo Quadre, begin their respective campaigns.
Joseph Imeh, aiming to successfully defend his title, faces Isaac Attah, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. Imeh was rarely troubled in his 6-2, 6-3 first round win over qualifier, Joshua Daniel, on Tuesday, and will try to maintain the intensity against another qualifier, Attah, who came through four qualifying rounds to secure a main draw place.
Top seed, Emmanuel will take on Emmanuel Paul in his second-rounder, as he looks to remain on course for a 3rd title here.
Sylvester Emmanuel
The 21-year-old, winner in 2015 and 2016, is also seeking his second straight national title, having claimed the CBN Open in June. While the top seed eased through his opening round match 6-3, 6-3 against Musa Bala on Monday, Paul had to particularly dig deep before beating Ikechukwu Iloputa 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(3).
Emmanuel Paul
In the women’s field, veteran and former Nigeria’s No. 1, Christy Agugbom takes on Loveth Donatus, while youngsters, Oyinlomo Quadre and Omolayo Bamidele go head-to-head.
Quadre has had a fantastic season so far, winning three ITF Junior titles, with the most recent coming last week at the NTF International Junior Championships in Abuja. She also reached the quarter-finals at the Lagos Open last month and claimed her first national title at the CBN Open in June. Can she post another memorable outing?
Oyinlomo Quadre
In other match-ups, 4-time champion, Lawal Shehu plays Ajang Sylvanus, while Uche Oparaoji confronts Clifford Enosoregbe, a 2-time winner here. Youngster, Musa Mohammed will go head-to-head with Nonso Madueke.
Matches begin from 8:00am at the Kano Club in Kano.
