Abuja: The National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged stakeholders to facilitate the hosting of additional International Tennis Federation (ITF) points-scoring tournaments in Nigeria, aiming to reduce costs for young players and enhance the country’s tennis profile.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, made this appeal during the finals of the second week of the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Dikko, represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Legal and Strategy, Musa Ahmadu, congratulated all participants, emphasizing that both finalists and those who competed in early rounds contribute significantly to sports development.
Dikko acknowledged the role of the J30 championship as a stepping stone to higher ITF events, continental competitions, Grand Slam junior pathways, scholarships, and professional circuits. He highlighted the importance of hosting more recognized events in Nigeria, which would offer players easier access to ranking points and provide coaches and officials with valuable experience.
Citing the achievements of Nigerian player Seun Ogunsakin, who reached the final qualifying round of the Junior French Open and registered for Wimbledon junior qualifying, Dikko illustrated the potential success Nigerian players could achieve with adequate support. He encouraged players to integrate talent with discipline, education, fitness, and integrity, and expressed appreciation to parents and coaches for their sacrifices.
Dikko reiterated the commission’s commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports for development, unity, and economic growth, with tennis playing a pivotal role through grassroots support and improved competition pathways.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Success Ogunjobi triumphed in the girls’ singles final, defeating Khadijat Mohammed 6-2, 6-1. In the boys’ singles, Hengzhi Cui of China overcame Nigeria’s Gbolahan Olawale with scores of 6-1, 7-6(8). The girls’ doubles title was claimed by the Nigerian duo of Emmanuel Kwange and Success Ogunjobi, who won against Khadijat Mohammed and Sri Lanka’s V.D. Rashmi Omaye Wijewardana 6-1, 6-2. However, Olawale faced defeat in the boys’ doubles final, as the Chinese pair of Jinxuan Cheng and Hengzhi Cui bested him and his partner, Ishaku Kwange, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.
A total of 14 countries participated in the championship’s second week, which commenced on Monday and concluded on Saturday in Abuja.