Gloria Samuel wins 9-4 at 2026 NNPC-SNEPCo Junior Championship

Gloria Samuel defeated Netherlands-based Emmanuella Ogualu 9-4 on Wednesday at the 2026 NNPC-SNEPCo Junior Tennis Championship in Lagos. The Ekiti-based LEKMAK Tennis Academy player recovered from a 4-4 scoreline to take control of their second round-robin match.

Ogualu, a Nigerian-born player who is based in the Netherlands and is pursuing a professional tennis career, used her power to stay level with Samuel through the opening stages. Samuel then managed the contest effectively and pulled away to secure the win.

The victory strengthens Samuel’s position in the Girls 16s group as players compete for places in Friday’s semifinals. She is regarded as the leading contender in the age category following the absence of Mofi Atilola and Goodnews Aina, who have been excluded from ITA Junior Circuit tournaments.

Ogualu and Samuel are expected to come through the group and face Bisola Ogunkolade and Success Godwin, who are emerging from the other section. Their potential semifinal meeting is part of the championship’s next stage, with the final scheduled for Saturday from noon.

The Boys 16s competition also produced a decisive result, with Heman Afaramai defeating Favour Ekong 9-1. Joel Michael, Yahaya Isa and Dami Agunbiade are among the players expected to reach the semifinals in that category.

The tournament is being organised by the International Tennis Academy at the refurbished Mainland Tennis Club inside the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The competition has brought the age-group players together as they seek progress to the concluding rounds.