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
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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