Christopher Itodo came from a set down to beat India’s Raba Katalya 3-6, 6-0, 6-0 to launch Nigeria to a winning start at the ongoing ITF U-18 West and Central Africa Circuit holding at the Stade Lamite, Cotonou.
Itodo’s come-from-behind victory proved a tonic for compatriot Christopher Bulus who also progressed to the second round with a 6-2,6-1 win over Tinde Sulayyman of Cote d’Ivoire.
Rain held up most of the day’s proceedings at the tournament which is featuring over 120 players from Africa, Europe Asia and North America.
Nigerian top seed Angel Mcleod is drawn bye and she will meet the winner of the tie between Manuella Eloundou of Cameron and Bissolla Lassissi of Benin Republic.
Fixture delay also forced Barakat Quadri’s match to be rescheduled for Wednesday where she will be up against Vania Dossier of Togo.
Morocco-based Quadri triumphed in straight sets in the most recent meeting against the Togolese which was at the 2016 West & Central Africa Zonal Qualifiers for the African Junior Championship in Abuja in January.
“We are in high spirit because we know our performance here in recent years have been fantastic. We will try as much as possible to push through to the medal zones and hopefully we will retain our top position for the third straight year, ” Nigeria’s coach, Mohammed Ubale said.
