Afaramai and Samuel Win Junior Tennis Championship Titles
Heman Afaramai from the Ikeja Police College Tennis Club and Gloria Samuel from the LekMak Tennis Academy in Ado Ekiti have emerged champions in the 2026 CBN Junior Tennis Championship. Afaramai won the Boys 16s title, beating Damilola Agunbiade from the Calabar Sports Club in the final. The match was intense, with Afaramai trailing 6-7 in the pro-set before breaking back to win the next two games.
Afaramai's impressive performance earned him the most outstanding player of the tournament award. Samuel, on the other hand, dominated the field, losing only two games in three round robin matches and beating Favour James from the Uyo-based GEUF Tennis Academy 9-2 in the finals.
In other age group matches, Pinky Onyemenam from Abuja won the Girls 12 title, defeating Amira Mohammed from Kwara 9-3. Barakat Ganiyu from Oyo State took home the Girls 14 title, beating Sinmi Olaniyan from Ondo State 9-5. Alaba Adesina from Oyo State won the Boys 14s title, out-rallying Godwin Afaramai 9-6.
The LekMak Academy secured their second title in the Boys 12s, with Gideon Peter outplaying Moroti Sowemimo 9-6. The tournament also introduced novel awards to encourage coaches and parents, recognizing outstanding support from Mr Tunde Agunbiade and Mrs KIkelomo Babalola.
Gloria Samuel's impressive display in the Girls 16s title match has put her on the radar for future tennis competitions. Her dominance over the field and her impressive performance in the final against Favour James are a testament to her growing talent. With this win, Samuel has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with in junior tennis. Her ability to remain focused and composed under pressure will serve her well in future competitions.
