By Paul Erewuba
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis prodigy, Mary Love Edwards over the weekend won the U-16 Girls CBN Junior Tennis Championship by defeating her challenger, Toyin Asogba 8-1.
The tournament, which took place at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, saw Timipre Maxwell beat Rebecca Ekpeyong 9-7 to win the girls U14.
In the Girls U10, Yakubu Nene defeated Lateef Mary Benjamin, while Ogunsakin Oluwaseun triumphed over Happy Aglis 8-2 to win the Boys U10. In the Boys U14 David Danariyi beat Kushimo Usman 8-2, while Oiza Yakubu beat Blessing Otu 8-5 to win the Girls U12.
Speaking to Daily SunSports immediately after the tourney, Edwards who revealed that the Williams sisters are her role model, said she would work very hard to actualise her life dream – to become the first Nigerian female tennis player to win the Grand Slam.
“My role model is the William sisters. And I admire them for what they have done in tennis. I want to get to that height. I don’t want to miss any tourney, and any opportunity I get.”
I am focused and committed to the tennis course. A lot of credit should go to the CBN and my dad. The CBN Junior Tennis tournament is the best thing that can happen to us and I give kudos to CBN.”