Nigeria bounced back from a disappointing 0-3 loss to Namibia to secure a flawless 3-0 win over Côte d’Ivoire in their third match at the ongoing Davis Cup Africa Group III Qualifier presently holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital.

The win boosted Nigerians chances of securing promotion to World Group II as the team now has five wins from nine matches.

Michael Emmanuel, still reeling from his opening day win against Courtney Lock of Benjamin, opened the floodgates of wins for Nigeria after defeating youngster Francky Hoimian Martial in two straight sets.

The Nigerian player won the match 6-1, 6-3 despite a late attempt at a fight back by the Ivorian player.

In the second rubber, Christopher Bulus, who was still disappointed after the final set loss to Namibia’s Connor Van Schalkwyk on Wednesday, atoned with a near perfect 6-0, 6-1 win against Frederick Coulibaly of Côte d’Ivoire.

Bulus would later partner with Daniel Adeleye to outlast the Ivorian pair of Hoimian and Coulibaly in a 6-2, 7-6(2) win to ensure Nigeria finished the day with a perfect 3-0 record.

Nigeria will now face Benin Republic in their next match where a win will strengthen their chances of reaching the promotion zone.

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, both of whom are without any win all week, will come up against each other while the top two teams, Namibia and Zimbabwe will go head-to-head on Friday, 19 July, 2024.