At the 12th Annual Age Grade Tennis Tournament organized by Badejo Sports Academy but sponsored by Nigerian philanthropist, Chief Maruf Gbolahan Odele, several future stars emerged winners in the Under 12, 14 and 16 categories.
Badejo Sports Academy is the brainchild of the award-winning coach of Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) Tennis Club Ikeja, Mr. Simeon Dele Badejo.
This year’s Tennis event ran from Monday 21st August, 2023 to Saturday, 26th August, 2023.
In the first game of the day, Adeiza Yakubu defeated Gabriel Igbinovia in straight sets in the U-12 Boys. And Tifanny Osho defeated Alfred Olajide Bolu 6-0,6-1 in the U-12 boys category.
Ndifreke 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 clashed 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, Badejo expressed his delight following the successful hosting of the competition.
“We thank God for the success we recorded during this year’s competition. Right 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 organizer 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, the tournaments and find a way to support the game. It is important for us to make little changes in age grade tourney and make big impact.”
The event was well attended by tennis lovers, Administrators and guardians of the players.
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