NASCO/ITF J30 Championship boosts future of Nigerian junior tennis

Posted : 14 June 2026

The successful conclusion of the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship has been hailed as another major step forward for the development of young tennis players in Nigeria.

Former Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) President, Sani Ndanusa, expressed optimism about the future of the sport after witnessing the quality of competition and the emergence of promising talents during the two-week tournament held in Abuja.

According to Ndanusa, the performances of the Nigerian players demonstrated that grassroots tennis development efforts across the country are beginning to yield positive results.

“I sleep tennis and eat tennis continuously. The emergence of new players on the ITF circuit gives me hope,” Ndanusa said.

He also commended title sponsor NASCO Group and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for their continued investment in youth tennis, noting that their support has helped create valuable opportunities for aspiring players to gain international exposure.

Representing NASCO Group, Area Sales Manager Bunmi Ashimolowo reiterated the company's commitment to nurturing young athletes through sustained sponsorship of the championship.

Tournament Coordinator Oke Joseph revealed that nearly 30 percent of Nigerian participants were competing in an ITF tournament for the first time. He noted that the competition's round-robin format enabled many players to earn valuable world ranking points and gain experience at the international level.

Joseph added that organisers are already working towards securing a higher status for the tournament in future editions.

“We hope by 2027 to move from a J30 event to a J60 and continue growing the tournament. We encourage all players to keep training and return stronger in 2027,” he said.

On the court, Success Ogunjobi emerged as one of the standout performers, claiming the girls’ singles title with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over fellow Nigerian Khadijat Mohammed.

Ogunjobi also captured the girls’ doubles title alongside Emmanuel Kwange after defeating Khadijat Mohammed and Sri Lanka’s V.D. Rashmi Omaye Wijewardana 6-1, 6-2 in the final.

In the boys’ category, Nigeria’s Gbolahan Olawale reached the singles final but was defeated 6-1, 7-6(8) by China’s Hengzhi Cui. Olawale and Ishaku Kwange also finished runners-up in the boys’ doubles after losing to Chinese duo Jinxuan Cheng and Hengzhi Cui.

The championship attracted participants from 14 countries, further enhancing its reputation as one of the leading junior tennis events in the region.

The tournament successfully showcased the depth of young talent ready to elevate Nigerian tennis on the international circuit. With plans already in motion for a tournament upgrade and continued corporate backing, the future remains bright for the next generation of tennis stars.

NASCO/ITF J30 Championship boosts future of Nigerian junior tennis

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