Eighteen- year -old tennis sensation at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State, Etoro Bassey of Team Akwa Ibom has described her women’s singles semifinals victory over Lorelay Holzendorff as “thrilling”
Etoro had an ease stroll as she blew Lorelay Holzendorff of Edo State apart 6-1, 6-1to breeze into the final, where she hopes to face fellow Akwa Ibom State opposition Favour James in the women’s singles final in what has been tagged a repeat of last year’s final.
In her post match interview Etoro said she was confident going into the game against Holzendorff whom she also defeated at the same stage in the 2025 edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
“The feeling is thrilling. Last year (1st Edition of the Niger Delta Games) was basically the same thing as we met in the semifinals and I won. To defeat her again is a good thing for me.
“I didn’t feel fear at all. I was confident in my game,” she said.
Etoro, who is enjoying a good run in Benin City added: “I ‘m really looking forward to a repeat of last years final. I want to face Favour James in the final but if it happens otherwise fine.”
“It has been fun in Edo State. I am getting to meet new people and our team we are supporting each other and so I am enjoying myself here.”
She praised the organisers of the Games for their support and welfare of athletes.
“The competition is okay. They are treating us well, giving us good food and everything is okay.
Meanwhile, Team Akwa Ibom duo of Etoro Bassey and Wisdom Effiong came from behind to win their mixed doubles semi finals tie 2-1 (3:6 7:5 10:3) in a tough and explosive encounter against Team Abia.
The duo will now face Team Ondo of Rahman Zayan and Adesewa Olaniyan who defeated Team Edo 6–0, 6–2 in the second semifinal.
