NSC Hails NTF AS ITF J30 Junior Tennis Championship Attracts Global Talents to Abuja
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, June 2, 2026 — The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) for its sustained commitment to grassroots sports development as the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship commenced in Abuja.
The championship, taking place from June 2 to June 13 at the Tennis Complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, has drawn promising young tennis players from 15 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for international junior tennis competitions.
The tournament provides a competitive platform for athletes aged 13 to 18 to earn valuable International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Junior ranking points while gaining exposure to elite international competition.
The NSC commended the Nigeria Tennis Federation for consistently sustaining its junior development programme since 2019 and successfully hosting the championship despite financial and logistical challenges.
Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the event, the NTF Technical Director and Tournament Director, Saidu Musa, described the championship as a vital pathway for nurturing future national team players.
According to Musa, several participants from previous editions of the J30 and J60 tournaments have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally, including players currently competing for the nation’s Davis Cup team. He also cited the recent participation of a programme graduate in the qualifying rounds of the Junior French Open at Roland Garros as evidence of the initiative’s impact.
The Commission described these achievements as a testament to the federation’s strategic focus on youth development, talent identification, and long-term athlete progression.
The NSC also praised the leadership of NTF President, Hon. Victor Ochei, and acknowledged the contributions of former administrators, particularly the late Engineer Dayo Akindoju, whose efforts helped establish the foundation for the growth of junior tennis in Nigeria.
Commending NASCO Foods Group for its sponsorship of the championship, the Commission noted that private-sector involvement remains critical to the development and sustainability of sports in the country.
Representing NASCO Foods Group, Tournament Coordinator Joseph Oke reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports, emphasizing that structured competitions remain essential for discovering and developing future champions.
Oke disclosed that NASCO plans to deepen its partnership with the championship and support its progression into higher-tier ITF tournaments in the years ahead.
The NSC described the partnership as a positive model for corporate investment in sports and a key contributor to expanding opportunities for young athletes nationwide.
Also speaking, ITF Representative Joseph Edili assured players and stakeholders of professional tournament administration and world-class officiating. He praised the Nigeria Tennis Federation for producing internationally recognized umpires and technical officials who continue to excel on the global stage.
Edili stated that the tournament would be conducted according to international standards, guaranteeing a safe, professional, and conducive environment for athletes, coaches, officials, parents, media representatives, and spectators.
As competition gets underway, the National Sports Commission expressed confidence that the championship would showcase the next generation of tennis stars while further positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for junior tennis development in Africa.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigeria Tennis Federation and strengthening collaborations with stakeholders and corporate partners to create more opportunities for young athletes across the country.
