By Aderonke Ojo
President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Victor Ochei, has lauded the successful completion of the first week of the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship was held at the Tennis Complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from June 1 to June 7.
Addressing newsmen after the closing, Ochei said the participation of players from 13 countries with Nigeria as hosts, demonstrated growing international confidence in Nigeria’s ability to host world-class tennis events.
“I am highly impressed that players from 13 nations joined Nigeria for this championship.
“It shows the confidence the international tennis community has in our ability to organise competitions of this nature,” he said.
He described the championship as well-organised and commended sponsors, NASCO Group, for their support and publicity efforts.
Ochei said that the second week of the championship would be even more successful.
According to him, the event has earned a “pass mark” and serves as an important platform for developing future tennis stars.
“The Federation is committed to developing tennis from the grassroots as part of its long-term strategic plan.
“Exposing these young players to international competitions such as the NASCO/ITF J30 Championship is essential for nurturing future champions.
“We are growing our players from the bottom up. These young boys and girls are the future of Nigerian tennis.
“The small trophies they win today give them the confidence to aspire for bigger achievements tomorrow,” he said.
Ochei said that competing against players from other countries provides Nigerian juniors with valuable experience and boosts their confidence to participate in larger international tournaments in the future.
He added that the federation’s objective is to identify talents early, groom them properly, and create opportunities for them to excel on the global stage.
Also speaking, Helen Jegede, Customer Service Representative, NASCO Group, expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the championship.
“At NASCO Group, we are committed to initiatives that support Nigerian youth. That is why we are proud to sponsor this year’s tennis tournament to give young players a platform to develop.
“Our core belief at NASCO is ‘Quality for Life’. By supporting these young athletes, we are giving them the quality life they deserve and a chance to showcase their talents,” she said.
She added that NASCO Group has a long history of supporting sports in Nigeria, and hopes to do much more in the future.
Kenneth Iorver, Trade Marketing Manager, NASCO, said that the first week has just ended, and assured that the second week will be of higher quality than the first week.
“As part of our sponsorship, we provided trophies for the winners, all branded by NASCO Group. And like everything else in this tournament, it was free for the players,” he said.
NAN reports that in the girls singles final, Success Ogunjobi defeated Khadijat Mohammed 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 to emerge champion.
After dropping a tight first set in a tiebreak, Ogunjobi rallied back with dominance in sets two and set three to claim the title.
In the boys singles final, Hengzhi Cui of China defeated Nigeria’s Elisha Kwange 6-2, 6-2 to win the title in straight sets.
The Chinese player was clinical throughout, overpowering the Nigerian finalist to lift the trophy.
NAN reports that a total of 14 countries participated in the competitions. They are hosts Nigeria, Cameroon, China, Great Britain, Canada, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lithuania, India, Togo, Benin Republic, the United States, Sweden, and France.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
