Players and coaches of Nigeria’s Davis Cup team have turned their attention on a clash with Morocco in September, with a view towards gaining promotion to the next stage.
This was revealed by the technical director of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Saidu Musa, who told Sports247 in an exclusive interview that all hands are already on deck towards achieving another victory for the squad and promotion to the next level.
Musa acknowledged the players’ gallant efforts in their victory over Uzbekistan earlier this month and enthused that they will do better versus Morocco, although he noted that it will be an away fixture in Rabat.
The NTF’s technical buff further asserted that the current board and squad of tennis in Nigeria have achieved giant strides in recent years, hence the progress that is now being made on the international circuit.
He recounted, “It took us a long time to get back to this level. I recall that our recovery began when we hosted the Africa Group 3 competition two years ago in Abuja.
“That was when we qualified back to the Group 2 play-off, and we went to South Africa. However, we lost in South Africa, and that sent us back to Group 3.
“We then went to Zimbabwe last year July, and we qualified back to the Group 2 level with these same set of boys. That’s the level we are currently in, and we are seeking a promotion to Group 1.”
Musa went on to reveal the factors that account for recent achievements of the Nigerian Davis Cup, but added that more has to be done in order to keep them moving up the ladder, especially in terms of global exposure.
Musa asserted, “I must say it’s due to total commitment from the players, from the federation, from the board and everyone who supported us.
“They all combined to get us what we achieved in Lagos this February … beating Uzbekistan to remain in Group 2. Hopefully, come September, when we play against Morocco in Rabat, we will win proper qualification to Group 1.
“I believe we can do it, but we can’t achieve it without support. Not just support from government, but also individuals and corporate organisations.
“We need various forms of support, because our players have to go out in order to play in more competitive settings. They have to earn more points and get on the higher pedestal of tennis in the world.”
