Sports
International Tennis Stars from France, UK, India, Hong Kong, and More Set to Compete in Nigeria for ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors
Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) is gearing up to launch its 2025 season with the prestigious hosting of the ITF World Junior Circuit J30 Tennis Tournament in Abuja. This highly anticipated event is set to attract young tennis talents from across the globe, providing Nigerian junior athletes with a unique opportunity to compete against some of the best players in their age group. The tournament, which is one of the most significant events on the NTF calendar, is not only a platform for showcasing talent but also a critical measure of the growth and development of Nigeria’s budding tennis stars.
The competition will feature participants from a diverse array of countries, including France, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, China, Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco. These young athletes have already begun arriving in Nigeria, ready to take part in the two-week-long tournament, which will be held in two distinct phases. The first phase, Week 1, is scheduled to run from February 17 to February 22, 2025, while the second phase, Week 2, will take place from February 24 to March 2, 2025. This dual-phase structure ensures that players have ample opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Shammah Makpa, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, expressed his excitement and confidence in the federation’s readiness to host the international event. “We are fully prepared to welcome the world to Nigeria,” Makpa stated. “Our facilities are in tip-top shape, and we are eager to get started. This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about fostering international camaraderie and showcasing Nigeria’s ability to host world-class sporting events.”
Makpa also extended a warm welcome to the visiting athletes, encouraging them to embrace the unique hospitality and culture of Nigeria while giving their best on the court. “We urge all the players coming from different parts of the world to enjoy their time in Nigeria. Experience our rich culture, savor our cuisine, and, most importantly, play the best tennis of your lives. This is a chance to make lasting memories both on and off the court.”
The ITF World Junior Circuit J30 Tournament is a crucial stepping stone for young tennis players aiming to climb the ranks in international tennis. For Nigerian athletes, it represents a rare opportunity to compete on home soil against some of the most promising junior players from around the world. The tournament is expected to not only elevate the standard of tennis in Nigeria but also inspire the next generation of Nigerian tennis stars to aim for global recognition.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, excitement is building among players, coaches, and tennis enthusiasts alike. The event promises to be a celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and international unity, with Nigeria taking center stage as a proud host nation. With top-notch facilities, a warm reception, and a competitive atmosphere, the ITF World Junior Circuit J30 Tournament in Abuja is set to be a landmark event in the 2025 tennis calendar.
Sports
Stakeholders Ought to Project Nigerian Sports in Positive Light – NSC DG Olopade
…Says projecting positive image is key to attracting and sustaining investments
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has charged stakeholders in the sports sector to consistently project Nigerian sports in a positive light to attract the necessary funding and drive sustainable growth in the industry.
Speaking at the Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS), co-organized by the NSC and Sports Nigeria in Lagos, Olopade emphasized that the perception of Nigeria’s sports industry plays a crucial role in securing private-sector investment.
“Like international best practices, you don’t de-market a product you intend to take to the market because the perception of the product out there matters a lot.”
“As someone who has worked in the private sector for more than two decades, I understand why our sports have not attracted optimal private-sector investment. This is why, at the NSC, we are working to change the narrative with our Reset, Rethink, and Relaunch campaign,” he stated.
Olopade pointed out that top global sports institutions have thrived because they collectively built a positive image over time, ensuring strong brand perception among all stakeholders.
As a panelist at the Summit’s breakout session, Olopade also addressed the capacity gaps in corporate governance, administration, and management within Nigeria’s sports federations. He outlined key reforms introduced by the NSC under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, particularly in corporate governance structures.
“And I am glad to say we are already getting positive results from this because in Rugby where they now have a COO, they are already on the verge of security two Sponsorships and the President of the Nigeria Badminton Federation, Francis Obih, has just informed me of how impactful their new COO, Blessing Ekwe, was to the team at the recently finished All Africa Badminton Championship in Cameroon.”
Additionally, Olopade revealed plans to introduce dedicated Corporate Communications Units across all sports federations to enhance information management and strategic dissemination.
“Now, plans are underway to ensure all the sports federations have corporate communications teams for cutting-edge information management and dissemination,” he concluded.
The NSC’s commitment to reshaping Nigerian sports through strategic branding, governance reforms, and private-sector engagement continues to set a new course for the future of the industry.
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