Nigerian Junior Tennis Players off to Lome for ITF tourney

The team to be coached by national junior tennis coach, Ubale Mohammed rounded up training Friday at the Abuja National stadium tennis courts and would be joined in Lagos today by two of the female members of the team who are based abroad.Speaking to Fever Pitch yesterday, Coach Mohammed said the players are in high […]

The team to be coached by national junior tennis coach, Ubale Mohammed rounded up training Friday at the Abuja National stadium tennis courts and would be joined in Lagos today by two of the female members of the team who are based abroad.
Speaking to Fever Pitch yesterday, Coach Mohammed said the players are in high spirit and would do the country proud.
He said most of the players are not new to the tournament and have vowed to improve on their previous performances so as to do the nation proud.
 “I can tell you that the players are very much ready and looking forward to this international tournament because it is a world ranking junior tournament whereby players all over the world are coming to play.
“We have been there before and the players made the country proud. This time around we are expecting them to do even much better. We are expecting a good outing. They are very fit and in good shape for the tournament,” he said.
The coach said even as the federal government is not sponsoring the team, the Nigeria Tennis Federation and public spirited individuals have joined hands to sponsor the players to the tournament.
“Well I must tell you the government is not sponsoring us but the federation and some individuals are helping us attend the international tournament. It is going to cost a lot to be there for three weeks for the tournament.
“We are going to pay for accommodation, feeding and playing equipment so it is not easy for us. So I am calling on government, corporate bodies and individuals to assist these kids. They are talented. They need assistance.
Coach Mohammed said while London based Elizabeth Pam, Adetayo Adetunji based in South Africa, Venus Obaby and Jummai Mohammed will represent Nigeria in the female category, Mohammed Mohammed, Emmanuel Sunday, Joseph Imeh, Michael Michael, and others will fly Nigeria’s flag in the male category.
The Junior tennis circuit starts on September 8 and will end September 28 in Lome.