Team Nigeria Targets Historic Davis Cup Win Over Morocco

Team Nigeria has intensified preparations in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of the 2026 Davis Cup World Group II tie against the host nation, with the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) expressing confidence that the team can finally end its long-standing winless record against Morocco.

The two-day encounter is scheduled for September 19–20 at the Union Sportive des Cheminots de Tennis du Maroc in Rabat.

The Nigerian contingent, which departed Lagos early Monday, arrived in the Moroccan capital and immediately commenced preparations, with the early arrival designed to give the players sufficient time to acclimatise to the weather conditions, adjust to the court surface and prepare mentally and physically for the crucial tie.

The team is led by the Secretary General of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Shammah Aliyu Makpa, while Benson Ishicheli serves as head coach.
Players currently in camp are Daniel Adeleye, Canice Abua, Michael Emmanuel and Yusuf Abubakar.

The squad was initially expected to include Oluwaseun Ogunsakin, the Nigerian junior star who featured at the US Open and Roland Garros, but his arrival in Rabat has become doubtful due to circumstances beyond his control.

Team Nigeria had its first training session at the match venue on Monday evening, with the technical crew subsequently stepping up preparations through morning and afternoon sessions. The sessions are also being used to fine-tune tactics and determine the most effective doubles combinations ahead of the tie.

Speaking on the team’s preparations, Makpa expressed confidence in the players while commending the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its financial and moral support to Nigerian tennis.

He specifically appreciated the NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their support, which he said had contributed significantly to the federation’s recent progress.

Makpa also acknowledged the Country Club of Lagos for providing its facilities for the team’s more than three-week camping programme in Lagos.
According to him, the team deliberately arrived in Morocco early to ensure adequate acclimatisation and preparation.

“We know it won’t be an easy task but we are also equal to the challenge. This is another opportunity for us to break the jinx because we have never defeated Morocco in the Davis Cup before,” Makpa said.

He added that Nigeria’s qualification for the current stage after more than three decades had strengthened his belief that the country could also overcome Morocco and secure promotion to the Davis Cup World Group I.

The forthcoming tie carries considerable significance for Nigerian tennis, as Nigeria has lost all four of its previous Davis Cup meetings with Morocco.

Nigeria earned its place in the World Group II playoff following a hard-fought victory over Uzbekistan in February, a result that ended more than 30 years of waiting to reach this stage of the competition.

With match-day fast approaching, the Nigerian team is maintaining focus on discipline, teamwork and tactical execution as it seeks a historic first Davis Cup victory over Morocco and qualification for World Group I.

The NTF has also hailed the continued support of the National Sports Commission leadership, describing it as an important boost to the team’s preparations for the crucial international assignment.