By Onochie Anibeze
Albert Bikom stood still, looked into the sky apparently in communion and thanksgiving to God. It was an amazing evening, probably the best in his life. Seconds later, he bowed his head still stupefied momentarily. When he gathered himself he said "thank you God for this day."
Wednesday, October 7 will remain green in his memory. It was a day he bruised his body fighting for points that eventually won him a brand new Toyota Corolla. He competed in Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan tennis championship.
He gave his all in the match against Owolabi Jinadu, beating him 6-1, 6-3 in the final that was watched by Governor Uduaghan and a reasonable crowd at the Squash Club, Asaba.
Governor Uduahgan who has embarked on sports revolution in the state handed Albert the trophy, the car key and urged him to be a good tennis player and a great competitor.
"It really feels great to win this prize. It's overwhelming and I'm lost for words. This is the greatest encouragement of my life and I will go to the National Sports Festival and give my all. I have to deliver at least two gold medals to Delta in Lagos.
MY CAR: Albert Bikom, poses beside his car which he won after clinching the Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan Tennis Championship title.
I'm out for this feat and by God's grace I'll achieve it," Albert said. He won the toss and served off the match, winning the first game after being O-30 down.
He blazed on to a 6-1 win in the first set and once reminded himself "it's your money" after a hot rally that he eventually won. Yes, he went for the prize money which was a brand new car valued over N4m.
There were more rallies in the second set as Owolabi upped his game, holding serves before cracking and losing the second set 3-6. Albert once one a rally after a fall and rising to hit a passing shot.
The girls event was won by Stella Bgadamosi who beat Maria Lodge 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in a match that was so clumsy and appeared not to deserve the prize that eventually went to the winner, another brand new Toyota Corolla.
It was a great evening for tennis in Delta and the jokes that followed entertained all. Albert was jokingly told to marry Stella and he pleaded, jokingly too, that he was too young to marry and that maintaining a family now could be an uphill task for him.
Stella stood next to him as the jokes were being cracked even to the hearing of Governor Uduaghan who was enjoying them.
Albert and Stella were told that they could use one car as a family one and put the other in a transportation business, a suggestion that made two of the stare at each other and seem to be saying "that's an idea."
But another contributor to the jokes raised an alarm, saying that Stella was a smart girl and could be so domineering in the marriage that Albert would always be at the receiving end.
Austin Jay Jay Okocha who sat close to Uduaghan concurred, saying that from what he saw of Stella Albert would always be outwitted in affairs. Hilarious Laughter followed. It was a good evening, thanks to Governor Uduaghan's passion for sports.
