The curtain has finally fallen on the preliminary games of the CBN Junior Tennis Championship, with the semi-finals concluding at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos yesterday. The stage is now set for the grand finale, which will take place today at the Ikoyi Club 1938. The finalists in the Boys 16s category are Damilola Agbabiaka from Cross River State, who edged out Wisdom Effiong 9-8 in a closely contested match, and Heman Afaramai, who defeated Joel Michael 9-4.
In the Girls 16s category, Gloria Samuel emerged victorious, defeating Barakat Ganiyu 9-2 in the first semi-finals. Favour James also secured her spot in the final, dismissing Omoyinka Ayinla 9-4. The other finalists include Godwin Afaramai, who beat Divine Ezaka 9-6 in the Boys 14s category, Alaba Adeyinka, who defeated Abdulkarim Mohammed 9-5, and Gideon Peter, who dominated Best Babalola 9-0.
The tournament has seen some impressive performances from the younger players, with Damilola Agbabiaka being singled out for praise by the Championship Coordinator, Mr. Godwin Kienka. Agbabiaka has displayed skills that surpass even the standard of the 2025 finals, according to Kienka.
Damilola Agbabiaka's narrow escape against Wisdom Effiong in the semi-finals only serves to heighten expectations for the Cross River-based player's performance in the final. With his skills surpassing even the standard of the 2025 finals, Agbabiaka is poised to make a statement in the Boys 16s category. NaijaBuzz predicts a thrilling encounter between Agbabiaka and his opponent in the final.
