Team Nigeria head coach Benson Ishicheli has expressed confidence in his players ahead of their Davis Cup World Group II first-round tie against Morocco in Rabat.
Nigeria will face the North Africans this weekend, September 19 and 20, with the tie representing another important test for the country as it seeks to make further progress on the international tennis stage. The official Davis Cup records confirm the World Group II encounter.
Ishicheli believes Nigeria’s decision to arrive early in Morocco could prove important, giving the players enough time to adjust to the conditions and work on their tactical approach before the opening matches.
The coach said the players are in good spirits and determined to give a strong account of themselves against a Moroccan side that has historically proved difficult for Nigeria.
Nigeria and Morocco have met four times previously in the Davis Cup, making the latest encounter another opportunity for the Nigerians to change the narrative against their North African opponents.
Ishicheli stressed that Nigeria will respect Morocco but will not approach the contest with fear, insisting his players are capable of competing strongly over the two days.
The tie comes at a time when Nigerian tennis is seeking to build on its recent progress and give its leading players more opportunities to compete at a higher international level.