Tswako Foundation Holds U-18 Tennis Clinic, Tournament in Abuja

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso.

The Tswako Foundation has successfully concluded its 8th and enlarged edition of the Grassroots Tennis Clinic and Tournament for players aged 18 and under.

The 3-day event, which 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.

Founder and convener of the Tswako Foundation, Sadiq Tswako, 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 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 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 Amasiani

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.