By Ado Salisu
The Tswako Foundation has successfully concluded its maiden Grassroots Tennis Clinic and Tournament for players aged 16 and under.
The 3-day event, which was held at the prestigious Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, featured an impressive turnout of young talents and supporters of youth sports development.
The event began with a 2-day tennis clinic aimed at scouting and nurturing budding tennis players, followed by a competitive tournament designed to expose young athletes to professional-level play and potential scholarship opportunities.
Mr. Sadiq Tswako, founder and convener of the Tswako Foundation, stated that the initiative was designed to motivate young players, boost grassroots sports development, and inspire greater participation in tennis across Nigeria.
“The goal of the Tswako Foundation is to discover and nurture hidden talents and provide platforms for their growth. We hope to infuse confidence in these young players and add value to tennis at the grassroots level,” Mr. Tswako said.
Also, in attendance was Mr. Sunday Samuel, Head Coach of the FCT Tennis Association, who praised the initiative and emphasized its potential to elevate the standards of youth tennis in Nigeria.
Dr. Diana Mary Nsan, Media Aide to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment and a parent of four participants, expressed excitement over her children’s exposure to competitive tennis. “Whether they win or lose, the experience they’re gaining at this stage is priceless,” she noted.
Coach Natasha Sauerborn, a member of the Tswako Foundation team from New York, USA, affirmed the foundation’s dedication to grassroots sports empowerment. “We are committed to creating life-changing opportunities through tennis for these young athletes,” she said.
The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Engr. Dayo Akindoju also lauded Mr. Tswako for the initiative and urged more stakeholders, including ex-internationals, to invest in the future of Nigerian tennis.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Girls 14 & Under
Winner: Salvation Alex
Runner-up: Blessing Peter
Semi-finalists: Opeyemi Oladinji, Dabira Oluwaseyi
Boys 14 & Under
Winner: Ridwan Sadig
Runner-up: Onche Wisdom
Semi-finalists: James Adamu, Babakati Alamu
Girls 10 & Under
Winner: Mary Felix
Runner-up: Miracle Azi
Semi-finalists: Destiny, Nnena
Boys 10 & Under
Winner: Elvis Godwin
Runner-up: Bright Alex
Semi-finalists: Rahaan, Dominion
Girls 12 & Under
Winner: Charity Felix
Runner-up: Ivana Abu
Boys 12 & Under
Winner: Yakubu Miracle
Runner-up: Emmanuel Babe
Girls 16 & Under
Winner: Tolu Agunbiade
Runner-up: Favour Godwin
Boys 16 & Under
Winner: Chukwudubem Amasianu
Runner-up: Mohammed Amir
Boys 18 & Under
Winner: Musa Mahmud
Runner-up: Yahuza Bello
Participants received gift items, including tennis rackets, shoes, and bags, as part of the Foundation’s effort to encourage continued participation in the sport.
The event attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, showcasing the vast potential of young tennis players in Nigeria and marking a significant milestone in grassroots sports development.
