Patrick Obi was admitted into Government Secondary School Owerri in 1945 and he was a complete sportsman. He was a star forward for the school football team, a star cricketer who was called “blocker because it was almost impossible to bowl him out and yet he made all his runs and also a star tennis player
Patrick Obi was one of Nigeria’s greatest tennis players of his era and a great competitor. He was one of the players who never sacrified victory for finesse and showmanship. Patrick loved his game, took it seriously and anybody at the opposite end of the court felt the impact of his devastating strokes.
Like the Williams Sisters, who were coached by their father, Patrick got inspiration from his father, the Late Pa. Obi himself a top tennis player of his time. Patrick regularly served as a BALL-BOY during daddy’s practice sessions when the parents were at Ogoja.
The Obis later moved to Owerri, and Patrick enrolled as a student at Government Secondary School Owerri, where his journey to Stardom began.
He later became the Eastern Nigeria Men’s Singles Champion.
Patrick Obi was passionate about representing the Country. The breakthrough however came in 1959 when he was of the seven Tennis players chosen to wear Nigeria’s colours against Ghana.
One match between Patrick Obi and S.P. Kunmi of Ghana would stand in the memory of those who were privileged to be among the spectators. It was in 1960 and Patrick had just won his first Nigeria Men’s Singles title. The venue was the tennis courts of the Accra Sports Stadium. Of course S.P. Kunmi, a Cambridge Blue with home advantage, and being the favorite, was expected to win the diadem.
Patrick Obi surprised not only himself but the entire Ghanaian fans when he came from behind to win the match by two sets to one.
Patrick Obi’s match against fellow Nigerian Thompson Onibokun was another thriller that was rather memorable.
It was in 1969 during the All-Nigeria Tennis Championship in Lagos. Patrick defeated Thompson Onibokun to win the Men’s Singles title.
Both Onibokun and Obi ran the officiating course for Lawn Tennis in the early seventies.
Patrick Obi did not only play Tennis as he combined the Law Profession with his Tennis exploits. He was called to bar in 1983.
Patrick Obi is a LEGEND INDEED.
Olisa Egwuatu
