Nigeria’s women’s tennis team earned a historic first-ever promotion to the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II after defeating hosts Botswana 2-1 in Gaborone.
Nigeria’s women’s tennis team has made history by securing promotion to the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II for the first time after defeating hosts Botswana 2-1 in a decisive promotion playoff in Gaborone.
The landmark achievement represents Nigeria’s best-ever outing in the prestigious women’s team competition since making its Billie Jean King Cup debut in Lithuania in 2021.
The victory over Botswana was anchored by an impressive performance from rising star Success Ogunjobi, who gave Nigeria the perfect start with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Chelsea Chakanyuka in the opening singles match. The remaining matches ensured Nigeria claimed the crucial 2-1 win to seal promotion.
The historic squad was led by Head Coach Rotimi Akinloye and featured Oyinlomo Quadre, Khadijat Mohammed, Success Ogunjobi, and Etoro Bassey, whose performances throughout the tournament proved instrumental in Nigeria’s successful campaign.
Reacting to the achievement, Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) President Victor Ochei described 2026 as a landmark year for Nigerian tennis.
According to Ochei, the women’s promotion comes shortly after the men’s national team earned promotion to the Davis Cup World Group II, making it a historic double for Nigerian tennis on the international stage.
The latest success highlights the steady progress of tennis development in Nigeria and reinforces the country’s growing presence in international team competitions.
With promotion secured, Team Nigeria will now compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II next season, marking another significant milestone in the nation’s tennis history.
