Prospective future stars have emerged winners in the Under 12, 14 and 16 categories at the 12th Annual Age Grade Tennis Tournament organised by Badejo Sports Academy sponsored by Nigerian philanthropist, Chief Maruf Gbolahan Odele.
Badejo Sports Academy is the brainchild of the award-winning coach of Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) Tennis Club Ikeja, Mr Simeon Dele Badejo.
The 2023 Tennis event ran from Monday 21st August, 2023; till Saturday, 26th August, 2023.
In the first game of the day, Adeiza Yakubu defeated Gabriel Igbinovia straight sets in the U-12 Boys. And Tifanny Osho defeated Alfred Olajide Bolu 6-0,6-1 in U-12 boys category.
Ndefreike Benjamin was in fantastic form as she defeated Adesewa Olaniya in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 in the Girls U-14 Category.
The Boys U-14 Category was a keenly contested affair with Heman Afaramai edging out Ozen Ayoola 5-7, 4-6.
Old foes, Faidat Adeshina and Osaherun Osayimwem clash in the final of the Girls U-16 category with the later prevailing in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2.
Micheal Nekekpemi edged on in the Boys U-16 Category; thumping Abraham Nathaniel 6-4 , 3-6,9-11.
Meanwhile, the Sports Academy boss, Badejo has expressed his delight following the successful hosting of the competition.
In his words, “We thank God for the success we recorded during this year’s competition. Right from the from the first edition to the 11th.
“Our main target is to discover more talented players for Nigeria and we will continue to play our role in the growth of lawn tennis in Nigeria,” he said.
In the same vein, Ekundayo Odele, younger sister of the sponsor, lauded the organiser of the tournament and urged all meaningful Nigerians to support the age grade sport competitions.
She said, ”Sports has always been a game changer for getting children off the streets, building discipline and team spirit. If we get them early like this, the better for us all.
” I urge all meaningful Nigerians to pick a sport and support it. There are many ways to support Tennis…
“Again; support the kids, tournaments and find any way to support the game. It is important for us to make little changes in age grade tourney and make big impact.”
Many tennis lovers, Administrators and guardians of the players graced the event.
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