Sports
Nigeria Tennis Federation Rolls Out 3-Week National Championship Schedule
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has announced a robust calendar of activities as it gears up to host three major national tennis open championships in July 2025. The program, which promises high-level competition and talent discovery, will span three weeks and bring together the country’s top players at the Tennis Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
According to the schedule released by the NTF, the events will unfold as follows:
VEMP National Tennis Open Championship – July 4 to 12, 2025
Davnotch National Tennis Open Championship – July 14 to 19, 2025
CBN National Tennis Open Championship – July 21 to 29, 2025
The Federation noted that preparations are in top gear to ensure a smooth and competitive tournament series, which is expected to feature players from across the country battling for prestige, rankings, and prize money.
President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, expressed optimism about the growing momentum in Nigerian tennis, stating that the tournaments are not only part of efforts to keep players active but also a platform to scout and groom talents for future international engagements.
“These championships are crucial to our mission of building a stronger tennis culture in Nigeria. They give our players consistent opportunities to compete and improve, while also showcasing the progress of the sport in the country,” Akindoju said.
All matches will be hosted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with fans expected to witness thrilling tennis action across the three-week stretch.
The NTF has also assured that logistics and facilities will meet international standards, with proper officiating, medical support, and COVID-19 safety measures where applicable.
As excitement builds, stakeholders across Nigeria’s tennis community are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting July for the sport.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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