The National Sports Commission (NSC) has called on stakeholders to bring more International Tennis Federation (ITF) points-scoring tournaments to Nigeria to reduce costs for young players and strengthen the country’s tennis profile.

Shehu Dikko, chairman of the commission, made the call at the finals of the second week of the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Dikko, represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Legal and Strategy, Musa Ahmadu, congratulated all participants, saying 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.

“I commend the ITF for supporting junior tennis globally and the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) for organising the event,” he said.

He said the J30 championship served as a springboard to higher ITF events, continental competitions, Grand Slam junior pathways, scholarships, and professional circuits.

According to him, 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.

“Our coaches gain exposure, our officials gain experience, and our country strengthens its position as a serious sporting nation,” he said.

He 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.

The NSC boss urged players to combine talent with discipline, education, fitness, and integrity, and thanked parents and coaches for their sacrifices.

He 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 girls’ singles title, defeating Khadijat Mohammed 6–2, 6–1. 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.

Olawale fell short in the boys’ doubles final, as the Chinese pair of Jinxuan Cheng and Hengzhi Cui defeated him and his partner Ishaku Kwange 4–6, 6–2, 6–0 to claim the title.

A total of 14 countries participated in the second week of the championship, which began on Monday and is expected to end on Saturday in Abuja. 

(NAN)