120 junior players jostle for laurels at TPPA National Tennis Finals
No fewer than 120 juniors tennis players will commence their quest for honours as the second edition of the Tennis Players Parents Association (TPPA) National Junior Finals serve off today in Lagos. The players qualified through regional tournaments held in 12 locations nationwide. In an interview with newsmen, the TPPA President, Segun Aluko, underscored the […]
Junior Tennis players
No fewer than 120 juniors tennis players will commence their quest for honours as the second edition of the Tennis Players Parents Association (TPPA) National Junior Finals serve off today in Lagos.
The players qualified through regional tournaments held in 12 locations nationwide.
In an interview with newsmen, the TPPA President, Segun Aluko, underscored the importance of the association, saying it aimed at supporting the Nigeria Tennis Federation to grow talents.
“The overall idea of the association is to see how we can help grow Nigerian junior tennis and support the efforts of all other stakeholders like the Nigerian Tennis Federation and all other tennis organizers within the country,” he said.
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He added that winners in the U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories would be offered educational grants, emphasizing the need to support budding talents, especially players from less privileged areas.
“We can get sponsors for them within their locality because it is actually difficult to be a tennis talent if you don’t have access to a tennis court. So you have access to a tennis court, and you can begin to build your talent.
“Tennis is not like football or basketball. They can play with your bare feet without a shirt. Tennis, you need to have shoes to get into a tennis court. Otherwise, nobody will let you,” he added.
One of the players, Ayetoma Fego from Cross River competing in Girls U-16 division, expressed confidence, saying her goal is to gain recognition in the sport.
“I have been working hard, trying to correct my errors and mistakes and all that.
“My goal is to show people that this girl can actually play, to step onto the court and do my best and show to them that this girl has the fire in her,” she said.
A male player, Seyi Ogunsakin from Ekiti, also in the U-16 category, expressed determination to emerge winner.
“I’ve been training hard. The tournament will be better and tougher this year, but I must try my best,” he said.