A philanthropist and avid tennis enthusiast, Chief Gbolahan Odele, is optimistic that future national champions and Grand Slam players will emerge from the annual age group event he sponsors each year.
Odele believes Nigeria is blessed with many talented tennis players, but they require exposure to improve and be competitively prepared for the challenges ahead.
“In our age group event, we have boys and girls between the ages of eight and 16 showing promise but lacking exposure. You can imagine how good they’ll be when they’re older. That’s why we catch them young,” he said.
The sponsor also highlighted the social impact of age-grade competitions, noting that children build lasting relationships.
“Some of these kids may eventually marry each other as they bond over tournaments, even though they don’t know it now.”
“I hope and pray that God will raise one of these kids to represent Nigeria at the highest level, including the Davis Cup and the Grand Slams.”
This year’s edition, the third in the series with Badejo Sports as organisers, had over 240 competitors from Lagos, Ondo, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Cross River, Osun, Kwara, Imo, Abuja, Plateau, Benue, Anambra, Bayelsa, and a contingent from Ghana. It was a record attendance, double the number of players (120) that took part in the 2024 edition.
In the Girls U-16 event, Emmanuel Kelvin defeated Ogunkolade Bisola 4-1, 4-0, while in the Boys category,
Abu Umar defeated Damilola Agunbiade 5-4, 4-1 to emerge victorious, just as Ohunene Yakubu beat Suwa Nenrot 6-2, 6-1 to win the Girls Youth category. Basit Ajao triumphed in the Boys Youth category with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Mamud Musa.
Rasaki Mubarat emerged winner in the Girls U-12 category with a 4-2, 4-2 victory over Oluwaseyi Oluwadabira, while Emmanuel Sandaf defeated Awi Raphael 4-2, 4-1 to win the Boys U-12 event.
