By Ijeoma Okigbo
The Nigeria Padel Federation (NPF) says it will expand grassroots participation, establish training academies, attract investment and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court.
Babajimi Benson, the federation’s newly inaugurated President, said the plan would increase participation, develop local talent and create pathways for Nigerian players to compete internationally.
Benson spoke after the National Sports Commission (NSC) inaugurated the boards of four sports federations at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He said the federation would increase the number of players, clubs and courts while extending the sport beyond Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to other parts of the country.
“We will encourage schools, universities, corporate organisations and local communities to embrace padel sport.
“We need to strengthen grassroots participation and make the sport more accessible,” he said.
Benson, who is also Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, said Nigeria must take advantage of padel’s growing global popularity to develop its sporting talent.
“Nigeria must not simply watch that growth happen. Nigeria must be part of it and, ultimately, lead it in Africa.
“We will establish development pathways for junior players, women, girls and high-performance athletes while investing in training for coaches, referees and tournament officials.
“Young players will progress from learning the game to competing in tournaments, earning national rankings and eventually representing Nigeria at international competitions,” he added.
Benson said the federation aims to position Nigeria as a destination for major padel competitions, noting that such events would attract investment and create business opportunities across the sports value chain.
He said achieving the objectives would require effective governance, technology, reliable data and strategic partnerships, alongside a sustainable commercial model capable of attracting sponsors and private investors.
“Sport cannot thrive on enthusiasm alone. We need strong governance.
“We need technology and reliable data. We need partnerships and we need a sustainable commercial model,” he said.
The other federations inaugurated alongside the NPF were the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation and Nigeria Fencing Federation.(NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah
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