Abuja – The Chairman of the FCT Tennis Association, Dayo Akindeju, on Saturday called for collaboration to enhance the development of the sport in the FCT.
Akindeju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing North and Central Zonal Tennis Junior Championship (NCZTJC) in Abuja that Nigeria would benefit so much from tennis.
“I am very passionate about tennis and the development of the sport at the grassroots. My major concern is to see the game being appreciated in Nigeria.
“So, that is why when the opportunity came I grabbed it and we are here for a tournament that will develop tennis,’’ he said.
The chairman added that the championship was to hunt for talents and prepare the young ones for the task ahead.
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“Basically when opportunities like this come up talents are discovered and, naturally they proceed to the next level which is the National level.
“So, if we are lucky to find one or two players here, they will progress.
“This is an opportunity to keep the boys and girls busy, and we all know that one of the biggest problems in Nigeria Tennis is the lack of competitions.
“So, every chance the players see, they grab. You can see the volume of participants trying to do their best.
“Opportunities will come for some talents to be picked but they too will use it to enjoy themselves instead of practicing endlessly and at the end no opportunity to compete,’’ Akindeju said.
NAN reports that the ongoing championship, which is the maiden edition, is being sponsored by Akindeju himself in conjunction with FCT Tennis Association and the Nigeria Tennis Federation. (NAN)