Tennista Foundation targets U.S. scholarships for Nigerian tennis players
The Tennista Foundation has disclosed plans to secure international opportunities for young Nigerian players as the second edition of the Junior Tennis Tournament started yesterday. The tournament, holding between April
The Tennista Foundation has disclosed plans to secure international opportunities for young Nigerian players as the second edition of the Junior Tennis Tournament started yesterday.
The tournament, holding between April 16th and 18th at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, saw intense contest among hundreds of participants in the opening rounds in both male and female categories.
Earlier before the opening match yesterday, the President of the Foundation, Michael Nwoseh, said the initiative was part of a broader push to elevate the standard of youth tennis while creating pathways for academic and athletic advancement abroad.
“We are trying to forge partnerships with schools in the USA so we can get them tennis scholarships at collegiate level.
“That’s why we are working with the American Business Council to see how we can get their tennis and academic careers going there," he said.
Nwoseh highlighted the impact of the maiden edition held last year, saying the U-12 mini category was included alongside the existing U-16 division for boys and girls.
“We’re hoping to build on that success. We thank the management of Lagos Country Club for giving us their venue to host this competition,” Nwoseh said.
He stressed that the three-day event will culminate in a final on Friday, where winners in both male and female categories will receive educational grants and equipment.
“We call it an educational grant. The winner will get N150,000, a racket worth 260 dollars, tennis balls, bags, and other goody items. The second place gets N100,000 and similar items. We are giving equal support because we don’t have as many women as men, so we want to encourage them.”
He added that the non-profit organisation is also seeking corporate sponsorship to sustain the initiative. “As much as we are a non-profit, we want to see how we can partner with sponsors to get the kids to that level,” he said.
The Strategic Project Lead at the American Business Council, Joy Lawal, said the initiative aligns with the organization’s broader goals.
“Part of our commitment is to inclusive economic development, and we see this platform as an opportunity for the younger generation to build discipline, gain exposure, and develop confidence.
“We are proud to partner alongside other sponsors and remain committed because it is focused on the next generation," she said.
The Captain of the Tennis Section at Lagos Country Club, Tunde Benson, said the club remains committed to youth development.
Read Also: Why I received my daughter’s bride price in Warri, by Ex-NFF boss Pinnick
“Over time, we have always supported tennis activities in Nigeria, and we are always eager to support youth events.
“We also host various tournaments with youth competitors from all over the world, which speaks to the quality of our facilities here. This collaboration is focused on developing youth tennis in Nigeria, and we are happy to see the talents on display," he said.
Defending champion David Edward also praised the tournament’s impact.
“I see Tennista Foundation as one of the big tournaments in Nigeria because they allow a lot of players to showcase their talents.
“We have many opportunities to play against good players, which helps us get better, and we also make friends while we are here," he said.
