Sports

Taking Nigerian Tennis to an Enviable Position is My Target – Victor Ochei

Published

1 week ago

October 23, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The presidential aspirant and board member representing sponsors and philanthropists on the board of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has declared that his primary goal is to reposition Nigerian tennis and elevate it to an enviable global standard if given the opportunity to lead the federation.

Ochei made this known while speaking as a guest on the popular AM Sports programme on NTA, Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, his passion for sports development stems from years of involvement in empowering athletes, particularly persons with disabilities, through initiatives such as wheelchair basketball.

If elected as president of the Tennis Federation, Ochei pledged to restore the glory days by developing grassroots talent, improving infrastructure, and building an ecosystem that supports both players and officials.

“My vision is to bring tennis back into national focus — to make it as exciting and unifying as football. I bring experience, exposure, and valuable contacts both locally and internationally. Sports are not just about competition; they’re also about entertainment, and we must make tennis entertaining again,” he stated.

He stressed that Nigerian athletes deserve a sustainable career path in sports, with proper sponsorships, endorsements, and career management to ensure long-term well-being even after retirement.

“Too often, our athletes give their all, only to struggle later in life. That narrative must change — and that’s what I aim to do,” Ochei concluded.
According to him, the future of Nigerian tennis lies in strategic development, inclusivity, and passion, and his mission is to make Nigeria a strong contender on the world tennis stage.

Reflecting on his journey in sports development, Ochei said that the joy of giving people a new lease on life remains one of his most rewarding achievements.

Turning to tennis, he emphasized that the sport in Nigeria needs a complete revival.

“Many see tennis as an elite sport, but I see a deeper opportunity. It’s unfortunate that when you look at global tennis rankings — ATP or WTA — you hardly find Nigerians, or even Africans. Apart from a few South Africans, our presence is minimal,” he lamented.

He further recalled the golden years of Nigerian tennis, citing names like Nduka Odizor, who once ranked world No. 84 — the nation’s highest achievement in the sport.

“Back then, international players came from all over the world to play in Lagos tournaments. Our courts were full of life. I remember in 1984 watching David Imonitie and Sadiq Abdullahi play at the Ikoyi Club — the passion was electrifying. But somehow, that spark faded,” Ochei said.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Published

1 day ago

October 29, 2025

The Gleamer

Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

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