Nigeria begin Billie Jean King Cup campaign with gritty win over Burundi
Team Nigeria kicked off their 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III campaign on a winning note, battling to a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Burundi in Botswana to boost their hopes of securing promotion.
Nigeria made the perfect start through Khadijat Mohammed, who produced a commanding display in the opening singles rubber, cruising to a flawless 6-0 victory to hand her side an early advantage.
Burundi responded in the second singles as Ange Ishimwe defeated Success Ogunjobi 6-3, 6-3, drawing the tie level and forcing the contest into a decisive doubles match.
With the opening-day result hanging in the balance, Nigeria turned to the experienced partnership of Oyinlomo Quadre and Ogunjobi, and the pair rose to the occasion. They seized control from the outset, racing to a 6-1 first-set victory before holding firm in a more competitive second set. Ogunjobi sealed the win with a powerful forehand winner, handing Nigeria the decisive rubber and a 2-1 triumph.
The victory places Nigeria in a strong position in Group C, where only the group winners will earn promotion from Africa Group III.
Having narrowly missed out on promotion in recent years, the Nigerian team arrived in Botswana determined to finally make the breakthrough, and Monday's victory marks a positive first step toward that goal.
The Billie Jean King Cup, organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), is the world's premier women's team tennis competition, with Nigeria establishing itself as one of the strongest sides in Africa Group III through consistent performances.
Captain Rotimi Akinloye will once again look to experienced star Oyinlomo Quadre, Nigeria's most successful player in the competition across singles and doubles, to lead the charge. Alongside the promising Khadijat Mohammed and Success Ogunjobi, the team will be aiming to maintain its winning momentum as the quest for promotion continues in Botswana.
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