Both Nigeria and Namibia lost their respective playoff ties in the Africa Zone Group III in Nairobi today, and as result, having been both relegated to the Africa Zone Group IV.
Nigeria, having finished fourth in Pool A of Group III, took on the third-placed team in Pool B, Algeria, in a bid to remain in the Group, but they came up short, losing 2-0 to the North African side.
Paul Etim took on the first singles duty for Nigeria against Samir Hamza, and both men kept things with serve until the ninth game, where Hamza broke for 5-4, and then kept his nerves in check to serve the set out. The second set was a much tighter affair, with both players trading breaks in the first five games. Hamza eventually held serve for the first time in the set in the sixth game to go 4-2 up, but Etim fought back, breaking in the 10th game to draw level at 5-5. Hamza would take the next two games to close out the rubber.
The second singles would go the way of the Algerians, too. Youcef Rihane edging Emmanuel Idoko for a 6-1, 6-4 victory. There was no need for a doubles rubber.
Namibia, also contesting the playoffs to stay in Group III, were beaten 3-0 by Benin Republic.
Tunisia and Kenya, both table-toppers, in Pools A and B, respectively, won their respective playoff ties to seal promotion to the Africa/Europe Zone Group II in 2020. Tunisia beat Madagascar 2-0 and Kenya defeated Mozambique by the same scoreline.
Nigeria and Namibia will play in the Africa Zone Group II in 2020.
