ALL AFRICA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – DAY 5: Nigeria’s Unseeded Zainab Alabi Stuns Second Seed In Round 32

 

Day five of the ongoing All Africa Senior Championship in Rivers State, Nigeria is hitting another crescendo in the individual event as Nigeria’s unseeded, Zainab Alabi topped the upset table with a shock three sets victory over second seed Hadia Hosny of Egypt.

The match was easily the catch of the eye for spectators and players amongst a number of matches in the women’s singles round of 32 tie following some shocking superior display from the improved Zainab – who is not in Nigeria’s top five female ranking.

Against the odds, Zainab took the first set 21-15 against Hadia and just when many were expecting a tie in the second set from the second seed, the unseeded Nigerian maintained her poise to ensure the upset with a 21-14 wrap in the second set – giving her a well deserved 2-0 straight set victory.

The mixed doubles fixture between South Africa and Ghana got neutral fans cheering for both countries through the later stages on another thrilling set. The Ghanaian pair of Daniel Sam/Jennifer Abitty secured passage into the round of 16s with some innovative display to stage a comeback win after losing the first set 16-21 to retaliate 21-17, 22-20 over South Africa’s mixed doubles pair of Bongani Von Bodenstein/ Johanita Scholtz.

Jennifer Abitty made up for her excesses and unforced errors throughout the tie to set up Sam for a remarkable finish which ensured their progress.

The men’s category round of 32 ties saw tournament third seed – Nigeria’s Godwin Olofua defeat Mauritius’ Aatish Lubah 21-8, 21-19 in what was a tensed second set. Also, Nigeria number one, Anu Opeyori and Africa’s top seed, Julien Paul Georges had an easy ride into the round of 16s with 2-0 victories each for their round 32 encounters.

It was formality for Nigeria’s court queen, Dorcas Adesokan and Africa number one, Kate Foo Kune as both players literally, strolled into the 16s in the women’s singles category.

NIGERIA PLAYERS IN 16s

MS: Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Habeeb Bello, Godwin Olofua, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu, Gideon Babalola, Clement Krobakpo,

WS: Augustina Ebhomien Sunday, Dorcas Adesokan, Zainab Alabi, Chineye Ibere,

MD: Enejo Abah/Isaacc Minaphee, Godwin Olofua/ Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, Gideon Babalola/ Clement Krobakpo

WD: Amin Yop Christopher/ Chineye Ibere, Augustina Sunday/ Peace Orji, Dorcas Adesokan/ Deborah Ukeh

XD: Kayode Abubakar Mope/ Amin Yop Christopher, Enejoh Abah/Peace Orji, Isaac Minaphee/ Zainab Damilola Alabi.