Sports
Taking Nigerian Tennis to an Enviable Position is My Target – Victor Ochei
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.
Sports
Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025
Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.
From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.
Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.
They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.
Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.
The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.
With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.
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