by  Wade Townsend

Aruna takes the stage

Quadri Aruna takes centre stage on day one of the main draw. He is No.1 seed for the event and will take on Yavor Andreev from Bulgaria. It looks set to be a match remember for the 25 year-old from Europe. Playing Aruna in front of his home crowd is going to be one heck of an experience. If he wins it will be a monumental upset, but don’t think the crowd will let him get over the line so easily.

Continental challenger

Egypt’s Omar Assar will be in action today. The No.2 seed for the event, his rise in the senior ranks has been on a steady trajectory. He most likely will untroubled in the early stages, being more than familiar with the Lagos heat and vocal crowds. On the horizon is a battle to be king of the continent and spectators can look forward to the spectacle of Assar’s attempt to conquer Africa. Can Assar seize the continent from Aruna and usurp him on the Nigerian’s home soil?

Perfect pairing?

Portugal’s Shao Jieni is the No.1 seed for the Women’s Singles here in Lagos. While that event won’t be getting underway today, Jieni will be making an appearance as the Women’s Doubles kicks off. The top seed will be partnering up with Nigeria’s number one, Olufunke Oshonaike. It is a formidable pairing, the highest ranked with the hometown hero. Can anyone stand in their way?

Nigeria looking to dominate

The Under 21 events are in to the quarterfinal stage. In the Women’s draw the host nation makes up half the field. In the Under 21 Men’s Singles three Nigerians remain in contention for a place on the podium. If all goes well it could be a special day for the crowd. Italians Giorgia Piccolin and Carlo Rossi will put up the biggest resistance to the Nigerian contingent. Both are No.2 seeds in the Women’s and Men’s event respectively and won’t be phased with medals now within their grasp.

Matches get underway at 10:ooam local time.

Checkout the full schedule here and be sure to watch the matches live on itTV.