Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), expressed a strong commitment to harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youth in sports by fostering collaboration with the private sector, state governments, and prominent organizations like the International Tennis Academy. His remarks were made during the Sapetro Futures Tournament held at Ikoyi Club, highlighting an ambitious agenda focused on developing young sporting talent in various disciplines. Dikko emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development as a foundation for elevating Nigeria’s status on the global sports stage, asserting that with the right collaborations, Nigeria will no longer return from Olympic Games without medals.
At the Sapetro Futures Championship, celebrated for its focus on youth competitions, participants showcased impressive skills across several age brackets, including Boys and Girls aged 12, 14, and 16. Dikko’s attendance at the event underscored his intent to prioritize the scouting and nurturing of talent from a young age—beginning at age 10. He posited that identifying and developing these athletes would significantly improve Nigeria’s chances of success in international competitions, particularly in the Olympic Games, where a lack of medals has previously been a concern.
The tournament served as a proving ground for budding athletes, with Bayelsa State’s representatives excelling in the Boys and Girls 12 categories. Excellency Oginiba from Bayelsa clinched the Boys 12 title with a thrilling victory against Ghazal Ashim from Oyo State, while Karina Opuene triumphed over Barakat Ganiyu, also from Oyo, in a closely contested Girls 12 final. The caliber of competition delighted spectators, indicating a promising future for Nigerian tennis.
Mofi Atilola, emerging as a prominent figure in the tournament, displayed remarkable versatility by competing across multiple age categories. The talent from Lagos captured the 12-and-under title and made strong showings in the older divisions as well, reaching finals in both the 14s and 16s but ultimately finishing second in the latter to Goodnews Aina from Ekiti State. The Boys 16s title went to Gbolahan Olawale, who demonstrated his prowess by defeating Onyekachi Ogumjiofor from Oyo. Lagos-based Isa Yahaya also found success in the Boys 14s event, overcoming Goodluck Tersoo in straight sets, indicating a rich pool of talent across the ages.
The tournament also sought to reward improvement and dedication among the young athletes. Tolu Agunbiade from Calabar and Ogumjiofor were honored with the Most Improved Player awards, highlighting their growth and potential as they advanced through the tournament ranks. Godwin Kienka, director of the International Tennis Academy and organizer of the event, underscored the significance of these awards, positioning them as key motivators within the junior circuit for up-and-coming players eager to hone their skills.
In closing, Dikko extended his gratitude to Sapetro MD Emeke Anagbogu for organizing a tournament that not only showcased the athletic capabilities of Nigerian youth but also served as a platform for identifying and grooming future sports stars. The Chairman reiterated his pledges towards grassroots development, utilizing this successful event as evidence that Nigeria holds abundant sports talent. With the right strategies and partnerships in place, he remains optimistic about Nigeria achieving greater recognition and success in international sports arenas in the near future.
