How Nigeria Davis Cup team overpowered Uzbekistan – NTF chieftain
The Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Victor Hemba, has revealed the strategy that powered Team Nigeria to a memorable 3–1 victory over Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup Playoff, securing promotion to the World Group II stage.
Hemba spoke to Sports247 after the historic win at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, where the Nigerian team delivered an inspired performance in front of home supporters.
According to Hemba, the technical crew deliberately chose to rely on home-based players rather than foreign-based stars, placing their trust in local talent and collective belief.
“We didn’t even rely on foreign players. We said we would do it from the home front. With the belief we all had, and by talking to the players tirelessly, we delivered,” he said.
He also explained that the team’s preparation was not influenced by the rankings of their opponents, but rather by confidence in the abilities of the Nigerian players.
“We knew what our players could do. We also knew where they needed improvement and how to push them a little more. That was what we focused on day and night,” Hemba stated.
Drawing from his own experience as a former national-level player, Hemba noted that the technical team was able to relate closely with the players and provide the right motivation and technical guidance.
“Some of us joined in because I was a player myself. We knew exactly what to say to them and where to impact them, and the impact worked,” he added.
