NSC Reaffirms Commitment to Tennis Development at ITF Junior Circuit J30 Championship
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC), has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of tennis in Nigeria through increased support for grassroots programmes, strategic international partnerships, and the expansion of internationally recognised ranking tournaments across the country.
Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, made the pledge in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Administration, Legal and Strategy, Musa Amadu, during the finals of the ITF Junior Circuit J30 Tennis Championship at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Addressing athletes, officials, sponsors, parents and stakeholders in the tennis community, Dikko congratulated participants for their performances throughout the tournament, describing them as champions in the broader quest for sporting excellence and national development.
He noted that the level of talent displayed during the championship reflects the bright future of Nigerian and African tennis, while stressing the importance of discipline, dedication and perseverance in achieving success in sports.
The NSC chairman commended the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for its continued investment in junior tennis development, saying tournaments such as the ITF Junior Circuit provide young athletes with opportunities to earn ranking points, gain international exposure and build pathways to professional careers.
He also praised the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) for organising the championship and creating opportunities for Nigerian players to integrate into the global tennis ecosystem.
Dikko further acknowledged the support of sponsors and partners, particularly NASCO Foods, for investing in youth sports development and helping to sustain the growth of tennis in the country.
According to him, investment in junior sports is a strategic approach to human capital development, youth empowerment, national pride and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s sports economy.
Highlighting the importance of the championship, he described the event as a platform that can open doors to higher-level ITF tournaments, continental competitions, Grand Slam junior pathways, scholarship opportunities and professional careers for emerging athletes.
The NSC chairman emphasised the need to increase the number of internationally recognised ranking tournaments hosted in Nigeria, noting that doing so would reduce the financial burden on young players who often travel abroad to earn ranking points and access competitive opportunities.
“Hosting more points-scoring events in Nigeria will provide greater access for our athletes, improve exposure for coaches, enhance the experience of officials, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a respected sporting nation,” he said.
Dikko also celebrated the recent achievements of Nigerian junior tennis player Seun Ogunsakin, whose performance in the qualifying rounds of the Junior French Open at Roland Garros saw him reach the final qualifying stage.
He added that Ogunsakin’s registration for the junior qualifying tournament at Wimbledon should inspire aspiring young tennis players across the country.
He urged young athletes to remain disciplined, respect their coaches and opponents, prioritise education and maintain high standards of character and integrity, noting that sustained success in professional sports requires consistency, humility and resilience.
The NSC chairman also expressed appreciation to parents and coaches for their sacrifices and dedication in nurturing the next generation of sporting talents.
Reaffirming the Commission’s broader vision, Dikko said the NSC remains committed to repositioning sports as a tool for youth development, national unity, economic growth and international competitiveness.
He assured stakeholders that the Commission would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots development, promoting elite athlete progression, encouraging private-sector participation and fostering international collaboration across all sports, including tennis.
The NSC chairman congratulated the finalists and expressed confidence that Nigerian tennis would continue to make significant strides on the global stage.
