Musa Ahmed, the accountant-general of Nasarawa, says the Wadada Tennis Championship is designed to discover young talents and promote physical fitness among participants. He said the tournament also aims to encourage grassroots tennis development.

He stated this while declaring open the maiden edition of the tournament, which was organised in honour of Ahmed Wadada on Thursday in Lafia. Mr Wada is the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the state for the 2027 election.

Mr Ahmed, represented by Ahmadu Babanrabi, chairman of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, Nasarawa chapter, said the competition would focus on grassroots tennis development in the state. He also said the junior category had already commenced, while the senior category would begin subsequently.

He said that the junior category had already commenced, while the senior category would begin subsequently. According to him, the initiative is aimed at encouraging younger players from the grassroots and ensuring continuity in the sport as older players retire. He said the tournament would be sustained in the coming years to attract more participation and interest.

He added that the tournament, being the first edition, would be sustained in the coming years to attract more participation and interest. Mr Ahmed said the championship is expected to become an annual event, adding that consistent sponsorship is vital to the growth of tennis in Nigeria.

He noted that tennis required significant financial investment, including funding for coaches, medical personnel, equipment and other support systems necessary for player development. He called on stakeholders and government authorities to invest more in tennis infrastructure in the state to enhance sports development.

Mr Ahmed said that the state had more tennis courts in the 1980s, particularly in Lafia, Keffi and at the then Nasarawa Polytechnic, but the number had declined over the years. He disclosed that only about two functional courts were currently available in Lafia, adding that at least four courts were needed to accommodate growing interest in the sport.

He disclosed that only about two functional courts were currently available in Lafia, adding that at least four courts were needed to accommodate growing interest in the sport.

Aisha Dangana of Lafia Tennis Club encouraged women and girls to embrace tennis, describing it as a sport that promotes fitness and healthy living. Ms Dangana, who participated in the competition, said she remained active in the sport despite cultural and religious concerns.

Ms Dangana, who participated in the competition, said she remained active in the sport despite cultural and religious concerns, noting that modest sportswear made participation comfortable for her.

“I wear a hijab, long sleeves and long trousers, and I am comfortable in it. It does not stop me from playing sports. For tennis, there is no mixing. If you want to play doubles, you can play doubles, and your partner can be on the other side of the court,” she said.

She said she was currently the only active female member of the club and urged more women to take up tennis.

Mohammed Lakpa, secretary of Lafia Tennis Club, said the championship would promote physical fitness among adults while grooming younger players for professional tennis careers.

In the junior female category, Onyenyechi Arinze defeated Wandoo Gabriel in a keenly contested match. Ms Onyenyechi described the game as challenging, saying she was nervous at the start but grateful for the opportunity and the experience gained.

Ms Gabriel, on her part, said losing was part of the learning process, adding that participation in the tournament was more important than the outcome.

“I feel very grateful for the opportunity. Losing is not a bad thing. It is about your passion and what you want from the game. You have to be emotionally strong first of all, and I am thankful for the opportunity of playing in this tournament,” she said.

(NAN)