The Tswako Foundation has successfully concluded its maiden Grassroots Tennis Clinic and Tournament for players aged 16 and under. The 3-day event, which was 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.

 

Mr. Sadiq Tswako, founder and convener of the Tswako Foundation, 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 Mr. 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 Mr. 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 Amasianu

 

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