Ado Salisu
The Tswako Foundation has successfully concluded its inaugural Grassroots Tennis Clinic and Tournament for players aged 16 and under, marking a significant milestone in youth sports development in Nigeria.
Held over three days at the renowned Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the event drew a large crowd of passionate young tennis players and their supporters, eager to see the next generation of tennis stars.
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The event kicked off with a two-day tennis clinic aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent, followed by a highly competitive tournament.
The tournament served as a platform for exposing athletes to professional-level play and potential scholarship opportunities.
Empowering Youth Through Sports
Mr. Sadiq Tswako, founder and convener of the Tswako Foundation, emphasized the event’s role in promoting grassroots sports development.
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“The Tswako Foundation aims to unearth hidden talents, offer them the necessary platforms, and build their confidence for future growth in tennis,” he said.
The Head Coach of the FCT Tennis Association, Mr. Sunday Samuel, also commended the clinic, highlighting its importance in raising the standard of youth tennis in Nigeria.
The Media Aide to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Diana Mary Nsan expressed her enthusiasm for the event and her children’s involvement.
“Whether they win or lose, the experience they gain at this stage is invaluable,” she said, reflecting the sentiment of many parents.
Coach Natasha Sauerborn, a member of the Tswako Foundation team from New York, USA, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to providing life-changing opportunities for young athletes through tennis.
Engr. Dayo Akindoju, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), commended Mr. Tswako’s initiative and urged more stakeholders, including former internationals, to invest in Nigeria’s tennis future.
The tournament featured multiple age categories, with the following winners:
Girls 14 & Under
Winner: Salvation Alex
Runner-up: Blessing Peter
Boys 14 & Under
Winner: Ridwan Sadig
Runner-up: Onche Wisdom
Girls 10 & Under
Winner: Mary Felix
Runner-up: Miracle Azi
Boys 10 & Under
Winner: Elvis Godwin
Runner-up: Bright Alex
Girls 12 & Under
Winner: Charity Felix
Runner-up: Ivana Abu
Boys 12 & Under
Winner: Yakubu Miracle
Runner-up: Emmanuel Babe
Girls 16 & Under
Winner: Tolu Agunbiade
Runner-up: Favour Godwin
Boys 16 & Under
Winner: Chukwudubem Amasianu
Runner-up: Mohammed Amir
Boys 18 & Under
Winner: Musa Mahmud
Runner-up: Yahuza Bello
Winners received tennis rackets, shoes, and bags, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to encourage continuous participation in the sport.
The event was a huge success, drawing attention to the untapped potential of young tennis players across Nigeria and highlighting the importance of grassroots sports initiatives in developing the next generation of athletes.