Despite winning his first round match, teenage sensation Matthew Kuti played his last match in the men’s singles of the 13th African Games after losing to Algeria’s Maheidine Bella in the second round.
The Nigeria national champion committed several unforced errors after taking a 1-0 lead against the Algerian. But he was made to work on table by his opponent as the Nigerian starlet was on the receiving end from the second to the fourth game to bow out of the men’s singles in his maiden outing at the continental championships.
Kuti lost 1-3 (11-7, 5-11, 7-11, 11-13) to become the first Nigerian to exit the men’s singles in Accra.
“I think I gained some experience playing and watching some of the best players in Africa. But I am not too happy that I lost early in the competition because my opponent gave me a lot of trouble especially with his backhand. It was a good experience and I look forward to more opportunities to play at top level,” Kuti said.