The National Sports Commission (NSC) has called on stakeholders to bring more International Tennis Federation (ITF) points-scoring tournaments to Nigeria, to cut costs for young players to grow and strengthen the country’s tennis profile.
Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, made the call at the finals of the second weeks of 2026 ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Diko, represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Legal and Strategy, Musa Ahmadu, congratulated all participants while noting finalists and early-round players were all winners in sports development.
“Your discipline and commitment showed the future of Nigerian and African tennis is bright,” he said. “I commend the ITF for supporting junior tennis globally and the Nigeria Tennis Federation ( NTF) for organising the event.”
He said that the J30 championship served as a springboard to higher ITF events, continental competitions, Grand Slam junior pathways, scholarships and professional circuits.
Dikko said that Nigerian athletes should not always travel abroad at great cost just to chase ranking points.
“When we host more recognised events in the country, our players gain access,” The NSC boss stressed. “Our coaches gain exposure, our officials gain experience, and our country strengthens its position as a serious sporting nation.”
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Dikko cited Seun Ogunsakin’s run to the final qualifying round of the Junior French Open, and his registration for Wimbledon junior qualifying as proof of what Nigerian players can achieve with the right support
He urged players to combine talent with discipline, education, fitness and integrity, and thanked parents and coaches for their sacrifices.
The NSC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to reposition Nigerian sport for development, unity and economic growth, with tennis playing a key role through grassroots support and better competition pathways.
Success Ogunjobi claimed the title in the girls singles final defeating Khadijat Mohammed 6-2, 6-1. While the boys singles saw Hengzhi Cui of China beat Nigeria’s Gbolahan Olawale 6-1,7-6(8).
The girls doubles title was won by the Nigerian pair of Emmanuel Kwange and Success Ogunjobi, who defeated Khadijat Mohammed and Sri Lanka’s V.D. Rashmi Omaye Wijewardana 6-1, 6-2 in the final.
The Nigerian ladies impressed at the tournament and will be looking to showcase their talents on the international stage in future events.
Boys Doubles Final
Nigerian pair of Ishaku Kwange and Gbolahan Olawale fell short in the boys doubles final, as the Chinese pair of Jinxuan Cheng and Hengzhi Cui defeated them 4-6, 6-2,6-0 to claim the title.
