Nigerian tennis to end year 2014 on high pitch

Only recently, a team of Nigerian junior tennis players went to Lome, in Togo where it won most of the medals that were at stake at the International Tennis Federation, ITF, organised Junior Circuit. Although the event was dominated by African nations, countries in Europe, USA and Asia were also represented, yet Nigeria came out […]

Only recently, a team of Nigerian junior tennis players went to Lome, in Togo where it won most of the medals that were at stake at the International Tennis Federation, ITF, organised Junior Circuit.
Although the event was dominated by African nations, countries in Europe, USA and Asia were also represented, yet Nigeria came out tops with 7 gold, five silver and two bronze medals.
Nigeria’s junior tennis coach, Ubale Mohammed who led the team to Lome said it was a very good outing for the country. He said Nigeria has never had it so good and if the performance of the players he took to the championship is anything to go by, Nigeria will soon record its major breakthrough in the sport.
He said “The players gave a very good account of themselves. Although our preparations were hampered by inadequate funding, we were able to cart home a total of 7 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals.
“As you are aware it was an ITF organised championship which attracted European countries like Germany, Turkey, Austria, the USA, Thailand and a host of other nations. The performance of the players against their colleagues in some of the more advanced tennis playing nations shows that Nigeria is making progress in the sport.
Ubale said the players who are now getting set to become professional players proved in words and deeds that they are ready to rub shoulders with the big boys. “Most of the players have got to where they will start playing professional tennis. And going by what they did in Togo, I can say they are ready.
“What they need most now is follow up programmes that would help them improve their game. Once they are kept busy with competitions, they will continue to acquire more experience,” he said.
Ubale also called on individuals and corporate organisations to come to the end of tennis, if the much desired progress is to be made.
According to him, it was by the grace of some individuals and the tennis federation that six players were sponsored to the championship in Togo.
“Our major challenge has been lack of sponsorship. The players are willing but sponsors are not easy to come by. When we were to travel to Lome, it was difficult to get sponsorship. In the end, we took only four boys and two girls, yet we were able to win so many medals.
“Although Nigeria was represented by a total of 18 players, only six were sponsored by individuals and the tennis federation. The rest sponsored themselves to Togo”.
Despite the hurdles, he said, the junior players who shone in Lome have another opportunity in the forthcoming Cheveron/NNPC Junior Tennis Championship to showcase their abilities. Ubale said most of the junior players will be at the tournament which is billed to start on October 20 to 26 in Lagos.
“Nigeria tennis presently boasts of one junior and three senior national championships. From October 20 to 26, the Cheveron/NNPC Junior Tennis Championship will hold in Lagos. After that we shall have the Governor’s Cup for senior players between November 17 t0 22 in Lagos. Then NPA and Dalla hardcourt will round up the year’s activities,” he disclosed.
Ubale said some of the players who are in their 18s and are getting set to transit to the senior cadre would take part in the senior boys and girls championships.