Ogunsakin wins J200 Cairo event in Egypt

Nigerian teenager Seun Ogunsakin has won the J200 Cairo boys’ singles title in Egypt on Friday after beating France’s Matisse Martin 7-5, 6-3 in the final.

It is his second J200 title of 2026, having won another J200 event in the Egyptian capital a few months ago. The victory also returned him to a final at this level for the first time in months.

Ogunsakin, who is from the Aurum Tennis Academy and was the top seed, had to work for his place in the final. He beat Egypt’s Omar Kandil 6-7(11), 6-4, 6-1 in the quarter-finals and then defeated another Egyptian, Mohamed Genidy, 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-finals. He also played in the doubles with fellow Nigerian Ikenna Okonkwo.

Ogunsakin is part of the Grand Slam Players Development Project touring team in Africa. He is also expected to play at the 2027 Australian Open Junior Championships alongside Okonkwo, whose middle name is Prosper.

The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochei, congratulated the youngster and described the back-to-back wins in Cairo as a sign that Nigerian players could compete at the highest level of junior tennis.

“Seun has once again demonstrated that Nigerian talents can compete with the best in the world. Winning two J200 titles in one year is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his discipline, determination and hunger for excellence. We are immensely proud of him,” Ochei said.

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He linked the success to what he called a resurgence in Nigerian tennis, after the men’s team earned promotion to the Davis Cup World Group II and the women’s team to the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II in 2026.

“From our Davis Cup success to the Billie Jean King Cup promotion and now Seun’s remarkable exploits, Nigerian tennis is steadily reclaiming its pride of place on the international stage,” he said.

Ochei also commended the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, and the members of the federation’s board for supporting tennis development. He said the federation would keep working to create more international opportunities for emerging players.

“Our ambition is not merely to celebrate occasional victories but to establish Nigeria as a consistent force in international tennis. Seun’s success is another significant step towards realising that vision,” he added.

The Aurum Tennis Academy and Ogunsakin’s coaches at the African Regional Tennis Centre have also been credited for his progress.