2nd Niger Delta Games: Akwa Ibom’s Tennis Stars Target More Glory as Three Reach Semi-Finals
Akwa Ibom’s growing dominance in regional tennis continues to shine at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State reinforcing the state’s reputation as a rising powerhouse in the sport.
After winning the women’s singles and doubles titles at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, the state has returned at the second edition with even greater force boasting three semi-finalists in the men’s and women’s singles, alongside strong representation in the women’s doubles.
All decisive matches will be played on Tuesday, February 23, 2026, at the tennis courts of the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where Akwa Ibom’s young stars will attempt to convert promise into silverware once again.
Bassey Eyes Back-to-Back Glory
Leading the charge is reigning singles and doubles champion, Etoro Bassey, who has once again stormed into the semi-finals of both events. She will face Lorelay Holzendorff of Rivers State in the women’s singles and later partner Favour Okon James in the doubles against the Rivers pair of Favour Emeka and Rose Nubari.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Bassey said:
“It has been great and the level of experience has been good. It is a new game and I have to adjust to it. I am getting to meet new players and I have been trying my best to win. My first game was a walkover and in the quarter-final it was easy for me to beat my opponent and I am set for the semi-final games in the singles and doubles.”
The Akwa Ibom ace, who has been playing for five years, is determined to defend her title.
“I am going to do my best and strive to win again just like I did last year at home in Uyo. I expect it to be the same for me with the addition of the doubles.”
Her rapid rise has been remarkable. Having represented Nigeria at the CAT tournament in Togo, where she won gold in singles and doubles, Bassey has also competed in Ghana and other West African countries. In just two years, she climbed to number three in Nigeria’s junior rankings.
“It has been great… I am hoping to get to number one after a while,” she added confidently.
Effiong’s Redemption Mission
In the men’s singles, Wisdom Effiong has booked a semi-final clash against Obinna Chinedu of Abia State. Determined to improve on his early exit at the last Games, Effiong says experience has been key this time around.
“I have played different types of opponents and I have been adjusting to them. My experience has been fine and my major undoing is having to play opponents I have not faced before.”
Though he and teammate Wisdom Paul bowed out in the doubles quarter-finals, Effiong remains upbeat.
“We were beaten in the doubles after we made a series of unforced errors and we need to work more on our drills and movements. I am ready to play against anyone.”
Teenage Sensation Targets Final
Fourteen-year-old Favour Okon James, an SS2 student of Mbogo High School, Uyo, is also flying the Akwa Ibom flag high. She will face Nenrot Sarah Suwa of Edo State in the women’s singles semi-final and later team up with Bassey in the doubles.
The youngster is brimming with belief:
“I am expecting to do well and qualify for the singles final. I have been able to play my best tennis here and hopefully I will do the same tomorrow despite facing a tough opponent.”
James drew inspiration from her performance at the maiden Games in Uyo, where she reached the final but lost to a more experienced teammate, Etoro Bassey.
“I got to the final… and I lost to my more experienced teammate, Etoro Bassey. She is a good player and plays very well.”
A System Producing Champions
Akwa Ibom’s continued presence at the business end of the tournament is no coincidence. The state’s blend of youth development, exposure to international competitions, and consistent participation in junior tournaments is yielding visible dividends.
