Ado Salisu
The Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) has described the successful staging of the maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Zonal Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 Tennis Championship as a major step towards revitalising grassroots tennis development in Nigeria.
The Vice President of the Federation, Malam Yusuf Datti, stated this during the closing ceremony of the championship held in Jalingo, Taraba State.
He commended Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his commitment, vision and investment in sports development, particularly tennis, noting that the initiative would help identify and nurture young talents capable of representing Nigeria at the highest level.
Datti said the championship aligns with the vision of the current NTF Board, led by its President, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, to establish a sustainable and data-driven framework for the growth of tennis across the country.
According to him, sporting excellence is achieved through deliberate investment in talent identification, structured development programmes and sustained institutional support rather than by chance.
He noted that by organising competitions for the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 categories, Taraba State and the Nigerian Tennis Federation are creating a pathway for the emergence of future national champions.
The NTF Vice President called on governments, sports administrators, corporate organisations, development partners, coaches, parents and other stakeholders to support the Federation’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning tennis in Nigeria.
Highlighting recent achievements by the Federation, Datti said Nigeria secured promotion to the Davis Cup Group II after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in the promotion play-offs held in February this year.
He also disclosed that the country’s women’s team recorded a historic milestone by defeating hosts Botswana 2-1 to earn promotion to the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Group II for the first time.
He said the achievements demonstrate that sustained vision, discipline and investment can restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in international tennis.
Datti congratulated the winners of the championship and encouraged other participants to remain committed and work harder ahead of future competitions.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for sponsoring the tournament and commended the coaches, referees, officials and organisers for the successful conduct of the championship.
In his remarks, Governor Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for athletes and coaches to thrive, stressing that sports remain an important tool for youth development and social transformation in Taraba State.
The event featured the presentation of trophies, certificates and souvenirs to outstanding players, coaches and tournament officials.