LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's tennis program was well represented on the Nigeria national team, participating in Group IV of the Davis Cup from the Ecology Tennis Club in Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-29.
Former UWA All-America standout Christopher Bulus and rising sophomore
Wilson Igbinovia was a part of the national team.
Going unbeaten in Pool Play, Nigeria blanked Rwanda, Angola and Mozambique to advance to a promotional playoff, knocking off Kenya, 2-1, to upgrade to Africa Group III for the 2024 Davis Cup.
Combined, the Nigeria national team went 15-1.
Against the Kenyans, Bulus evened the match score at one point apiece with his 6-0, 6-1 victory versus Ismael Mzai. In the doubles match, Bulus and Igbinovia teamed up to face Keean Shah and Ibrahim Kibet Yego. After breezing past the first set, 6-3, the Nigerians took the point and match in a 7-6 (4) tiebreak result.
During the event, Bulus went undefeated in competition, going 3-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles. Igbinovia posted a 2-0 singles record and 1-0 in doubles.
"Chris was a great player at UWA and continues to take his game to new levels being ranked on the pro tour and leading the Nigerian team. Wilson has shown the same talent and had a great freshman year and just won all of his matches for his country. I look for him to keep rapidly developing and do more great things for both UWA and Nigeria just like Chris," said Jeff Beaman, head tennis coach.
A two-time All-American, Christopher Bulus attended West Alabama during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In the shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he still achieved All-America honors in doubles with partner
Ilari Vesanen, posting a 6-2 mark.
Bulus secured All-America status the following year in singles with a 14-2 record. The 2021 Gulf South Conference (GSC) Player of the Year finished the national singles rankings as the No. 4 player in Division II.
Wilson Igbinovia, a rising sophomore from Lagos Island, wrapped up his first season at UWA with a 17-3 record, splitting time between the No. 3 and No. 4 flights in singles. Additionally, he posted a 12-5 doubles mark.
The University of West Alabama men's tennis team concluded the 2023 season ranked 19th in the national Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II rankings.
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