By Aderonke Ojo
Victor Ochei, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), on Friday has reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to repositioning Nigerian tennis through institutional reforms, grassroots development and strategic partnerships.
Ochei made the pledge ahead of the grand finale of the sixth edition of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship approaches, underscoring the federation’s resolve to build a more competitive and sustainable future for the sport in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Ochei, who was represented by the federation’s Vice President, Adeyemi Owoseni, described the championship as a symbol of excellence and a vital platform for discovering and nurturing talents capable of competing at the highest level.
He said that within one year of the current administration, the federation had introduced a comprehensive digital player registration system.
Also intensified grassroots talent development across the country and commenced plans to establish Basic Schools and Collegiate Tennis Programmes aimed at combining education with sports development.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to build a sustainable talent pipeline and reposition Nigerian tennis for greater competitiveness on the international stage.
Ochei described Nigeria’s historic qualification for the Davis Cup World Group II following victory over Uzbekistan in Lagos as one of the federation’s greatest achievements, noting that the feat ended the country’s decades-long absence from that level of the competition.
He also highlighted the successful hosting of the ITF J30 Junior Circuit and the recently concluded CBN National Open Tennis Championship, saying both competitions had strengthened Nigeria’s status as an emerging destination for international tennis while providing local players with valuable competitive exposure.
The NTF President commended DavNotch Nigeria Limited for sponsoring the championship for six consecutive editions, describing the partnership as a model for private sector participation in sports development
. He pledged that the federation would continue to strengthen the collaboration to improve competitions, enhance players’ welfare and promote international best practices.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission and members of the NTF Board for their contributions to the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
Paying tribute to his predecessor, the late Engineer Ifedayo Akindoju, Ochei described him as a visionary administrator whose leadership laid the foundation for the progress being recorded in Nigerian tennis
. He announced that the federation had resolved to immortalise the late tennis administrator by naming the Centre Court after him in recognition of his immense contributions to the sport.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of DavNotch Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ochei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the development of tennis in Nigeria, announcing plans to increase prize money and player incentives in future editions of the championship.
He said the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship had grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost privately sponsored tennis tournaments since its inception in 2021, attracting more than 1,000 players and producing several national champions.
According to him, the tournament has contributed significantly to the emergence of players who helped Nigeria secure promotion to the Davis Cup World Group II after a 38-year wait. He expressed optimism ahead of Nigeria’s next Davis Cup tie against Morocco.
Ochei also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusiveness through the introduction of the Wheelchair Tennis Championship, while promising increased prize money and enhanced incentives in future editions as part of efforts to establish the competition among Africa’s leading professionally organised tennis tournaments.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, coaches, players, umpires, technical officials, ball kids and media practitioners for their contributions to the continued growth and success of the championship.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Shammah Makpa, assured players that the federation would continue to improve their welfare while promoting discipline and professionalism within the sport.
Makpa acknowledged concerns over cases of indiscipline among some players but stressed that the federation would continue to support and reward disciplined athletes who demonstrate commitment, dedication and sportsmanship.
He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to creating a conducive environment that enhances players’ welfare and development as Nigerian tennis continues its drive towards international competitiveness.
The grand finale of the sixth edition of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship will take place as on Saturday in Abuja, where the country’s top tennis players will compete for national honours.
