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The international Tennis Federation (ITF) may slam the Nigeria Tennis Federation with a sanction and additional fine following the NTF’s scribe inability to proactively apply for visa for a Nigerian starlet, Emmanuel Idoko who was granted an all expenses paid European tour for his tennis prowess exhibited in recent meets.
Emmanuel Idoko became the very first Nigerian starlet to be granted scholarship by the ITF due to his sterling performance during the African Junior Championship in Gabrone, Botswana earlier this year.
Having caught the attention of the eagle eye ITF instructors, he was given an European all expenses paid tour by the international body to travel to France, Germany and Belgium this month.
LEADERSHIP SPORTS gathered all the NTF needed then to do was to apply to the affected embassies for visa. But it was learnt the issue was not properlly handled by the federation scribe, Ms Mbora.
The flaw by the federation secretariat means that Nigeria faces sanction and fine from the international body should Idoko fail to attend apart from the fact that such act may affect the young player’s career. It was learnt that over two months ago, the NTF president Sani Ndanusa had instructed the secretariat headed by Ms Mbora to do all they can and ensure that they apply early for Shangai visa for the player, but on getting to the airport on their way for a tournament in Egypt, it was discovered that the player was not having the visa to make the European tour.
The Nigerian contingent for the world junior tennis qualifier left for Egypt yesterday through the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja for the junior team qualifier slated for 19 to 27 of this month in the North African country.
Coach of the team Ubale Mohammed revealed from the airport that three players, Emmanuel Idoko, Joseph Imeh and Sylvester Emmanuel are the players seeking qualification from the Egypt qualifier.
He said should Nigeria qualify, she will represent Africa in the world championship in August in the Czech republic.
Idoko who plays in the 14 and under category needed the Shangai visa in order to eventually connect his Euro tour from Egypt. The programme remains one of the best in ITF youth development plan.
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