The sixth edition of the Adewale Isa Foundation National Junior Tennis Championship, held in Lagos, showcased the burgeoning talent of young Nigerian tennis players, with representatives from FCT and Plateau State particularly standing out. The tournament, which featured various age categories, culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony where outstanding athletes were recognized for their exceptional performance and potential. Emerging as the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) were Alex Barnabas and Emmanuel Sandaf, both hailing from Plateau State. Barnabas’s impressive court coverage and skillful play earned him the MVP title in the Boys’ U-14 category, while Sandaf’s prowess secured him the same accolade in the Boys’ U-12 category. Their accomplishments were acknowledged with special packs, including dollar gifts, presented by the organizers.
FCT also celebrated its share of rising stars, with Oluwadabira Oluwaseyi receiving recognition as the most outstanding Girls’ U-12 player, having reached the final of her category. Pinky Onyemenam, another FCT representative, was lauded as the best newcomer, showcasing the strength of the tennis program in the region. These awards not only celebrate individual accomplishment, but also underscore the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering a competitive spirit in junior tennis. The awards highlight the potential for future success and the ongoing development of the sport in Nigeria.
The tournament witnessed a captivating series of finals matches across different categories, showcasing the dedication and hard work of these young athletes. Mofifunoluwa Atilola, an 11-year-old prodigy who recently returned from a training tour in South Africa, secured a commanding victory in the Girls’ U-16 final. Demonstrating impressive form, Atilola defeated Precious Ohimai from Edo State with a score of 6-1, 6-1, building on her experience as a U-14 finalist in the 2024 edition. Her performance underscores the benefits of dedicated training and exposure to high-level competition.
In the Boys’ U-16 category, David Edwards emerged as the champion after his opponent, Marvelous Bolarinwa from Abuja, was forced to retire due to an arm injury in the second set. Edwards, whose sister, Marylove Edwards, is a former Nigerian number one tennis player, was leading 6-4, 3-0 at the time of Bolarinwa’s retirement. While unfortunate circumstances led to an abbreviated final, Edwards’ performance showcased his potential and marked him as a player to watch in the future.
The Girls’ U-12 final brought together national champion Mabubat Rasaki and the outstanding FCT player Oluwadabira Oluwaseyi. In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Oluwaseyi fought back from a set down and a 0-3 deficit in the second set to level the match, underscoring her tenacity and determination. However, Rasaki ultimately secured the victory by winning the final set tiebreak 10-3.
The Boys’ U-14 final saw Alex Barnabas, the category’s MVP, continue his dominant performance against Goodluck Akinfunmiloye. Barnabas maintained his composure and skill, eventually winning the match with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5). The close scoreline reflects the competitive nature of the match and further highlights Barnabas’s ability to perform under pressure. In the Girls’ U-14 final, Tiffany Osho, who received the MVP award, also displayed her talent and competitiveness.
The Boys’ U-12 final was a nail-biting affair, with Kingsley Godwin edging out Emmanuel Ogungbe after a gruelling three-set contest. After splitting the first two sets, Godwin demonstrated exceptional grit and determination, ultimately triumphing 14-12 in the final set tiebreaker. The tournament as a whole provided a platform for these young players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level, contributing to the growth and development of tennis in Nigeria. The success of players from FCT and Plateau State further underscores the strength of the junior tennis programs in these regions. The Adewale Isa Foundation National Junior Tennis Championship continues to serve as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring tennis stars in Nigeria.
