Davis Cup: Lagos ready for Nigeria-Uzbekistan challenge
President, Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochei (middle); President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, Dr Adeyinka Adewusi (3rd left); Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the event, Victor Hembah (3rd right), and other members of the CPC during a press briefing ahead of the Nigeria vs Uzbekistan Davis Cup clash in Lagos…on Monday
The Davis Cup World Group II tie between Nigeria and Uzbekistan, scheduled for February 7–8, 2026, in Lagos, with organisers confirming full technical, security and logistical readiness for the international men’s team tennis fixture, is ready.
The confirmation was given at a joint media briefing by the Nigeria Tennis Federation and the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, where the federation’s President, Victor Ochei, described the hosting rights as a significant statement of Nigeria’s growing stature in global tennis.
“This hosting opportunity reflects Nigeria’s steady rise in international tennis following consistent performances in recent years,” Ochei said. “It also demonstrates the confidence of the International Tennis Federation in our organisational capacity, infrastructure and security arrangements.”
The Davis Cup, the world’s leading international men’s team tennis competition organised by the ITF, is structured across multiple tiers. World Group II represents a highly competitive level, with nations contesting promotion to World Group I.
The Lagos tie will be played over two days and consist of five rubbers—four singles and one doubles match.
Practice courts will open on February 2, allowing both teams adequate preparation ahead of competition.
Ochei said hosting the tie goes beyond on-court action, noting that it is expected to stimulate sports tourism, economic activity and youth development, while further strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable destination for major international sporting events.
He added that the National Sports Commission is providing institutional backing to support funding and delivery.
To ensure seamless execution, the federation has constituted a 15-member Central Planning Committee chaired by Victor Hembah, working in collaboration with the ITF, the National Sports Commission, the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the host club.
Hembah emphasised the role of media visibility in driving fan engagement and turnout.
“Media and publicity are critical to the success of this event,” he said. “We are deploying robust, real-time coverage across mainstream broadcast platforms and digital media to ensure widespread visibility and strong spectator presence.”
On venue readiness, the President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, Dr Adeyinka Adewusi, assured that the historic club is fully prepared to host the tie.
“Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895 is very ready to host this Davis Cup World Group II play-off,” Adewusi said. “We have some of the best tennis facilities in Africa, and our guests will experience a secure environment, world-class courts and the hospitality for which this club is known.”
He added that the club, which recently marked 130 years of existence, has a long tradition of hosting international competitions and is committed to deploying all necessary resources to deliver a world-class event.
The briefing was attended by members of the NTF board, including Mrs Funmi Adako and Mr Yemi Owosheni.
Organisers said the Central Planning Committee will announce details on match schedules, ticketing, accreditation and official side events in the coming weeks.
