East of Niger Tennis League resumes Jan. 21
Ituma told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the league had earlier started on Oct. 22, 2011 and was expected to end on March 31. He said that the league would hold in venues across the eastern states and three south-south states of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Ituma, who is also the […]
Ituma told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the league had earlier started on Oct. 22, 2011 and was expected to end on March 31.
He said that the league would hold in venues across the eastern states and three south-south states of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Ituma, who is also the Programme Manager, Ebonyi Agricultural Development Programme (EBADEP), said that all sports and recreational clubs in the above mentioned regions were competing in the league.
“The 14 participating clubs include: Nnewi Sports Club, Onitsha County Club, Aba Sports Club, Onitsha Sports Club, Owerri Sports Club, Recreation Club, Orlu, Ridge Club, Umuahia, Uyo Club and Abakaliki Club.
“Others are Aba Recreation Club, Umuahia Sports Club, Safari Club, Owerri, Club 25, Aba and Calabar Sports Club,’’ the chairman said.
He said that the competition was in four main categories – 40 years and above, 30-39 years, U-20 and U-16 and that the clubs had been drawn in groups for the various categories.
“The preliminaries which commenced on Oct. 22, 2011 and are played on home and away format will be concluded on Feb. 4.
“The knock-out games would be played on Feb. 18, Feb. 25, March. 3 and March 10. The semi finals will hold on March. 17 while the final will hold on March 31 in all the categories,’’ he said.
According to him, the Recreation Club, Orlu is the only club that bided to host the closing ceremonies.
He however added that if no other club indicates interest, it would get the nod after inspection of its facilities.
Ituma said that the objectives of the competition included fostering warm and friendly interaction through tennis among members of sports and recreational clubs within the regions.