The Adewale Isa Foundation Junior Tennis Championship is witnessing a massive turnout of youngsters who have gathered at the tennis section of the National Stadium, Surulere, for the fifth edition of the flagship competition.
Among these youngsters is 9-year-old Kobi Ashinze from the United States of America, who came into Nigeria to participate in the national junior competition.
She will be participating in the U-12 category of the championship which is one of the most competitive in the championship, not just for the reward, but for the calibre of players participating.
Ashinze’s mum, Sheila O, told journalists in Lagos that she is delighted to have her daughter participate in the tournament, even if she may be the youngest player at the event.
According to her: “The tournament was recommended to her since she was already visiting her home town meaning that we added the trip to other activities although it was motivation for Kobi”.
Meanwhile, players from 20 other States across the federation are already in Lagos for one of Nigeria’s biggest national junior tennis tournaments.
All the top national juniors including Seyi Ogunsakin, Chukwudubem, Amasiani Mofifunoluwa Atilola, Bright Emmanuel, Goodnews Aina, among others, are participating in the competition.
13-year-old Amasiani winner of the boys U-14 in 2023 edition has oved to the U-16 category just as Atilola who is barely 11 opted to participate in the U-14 category after winning every U-12 tournament in Nigeria.
The organizers believe this kind of development is a clear indication of the level of growth of the players over the years as they want more talents discovered in the junior cadre of the championship.
The event which served off on Tuesday, 13 August, 2024, will reach its climax on Saturday, 17 August, 2024.
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