At the second Tennista Foundation Junior Tennis Tournament, young tennis players are vying for educational grants of up to N150,000 and possible college scholarships in the United States.
(Organisers Of The Tournament. Photo by Punch Newspaper)
The competition will conclude on Saturday after starting on Thursday at the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja. The hunt for Nigeria’s next tennis superstar has moved to the Lagos Country Club as the second Tennista Foundation Junior Tournament serves off.
The Tennista Foundation, in collaboration with the American Business Council Nigeria, is hosting the three-day competition, which includes separate draws for men and women in the U-16 and recently added U-12 divisions.
The Tennista Foundation said in a statement on Thursday that winners in each category will receive an educational grant of N150,000, a racket valued at $260, tennis balls, tennis bags, school bags and other prizes from sponsors. Second-place finishers will receive N100,000 alongside similar prize packages, while other participants will also get consolation prizes.
Foundation President, Michael Nwoseh, said the tournament, which debuted last year at Rowe Park, Yaba, had expanded in scope, structure and sponsorship.
“Last year was good for the maiden edition. Now we are moving to a more central location and getting sponsors while also being on a more quality stage. I am very happy we have upped the standard of the tournament,” he said.
He added that the foundation was working to secure tennis scholarships in the United States for outstanding players.
“We are attempting to establish alliances with schools in the USA so we can get them tennis scholarships at collegiate level, and that is why we are working with the American Business Council to see how we can get their tennis and academic careers going there,” he said, adding, “We are eager to use tennis as a tool for empowerment and education.”
Nwoseh also noted that equal prize packages were introduced for both male and female categories to boost girls’ participation.
Captain of the tennis division at Lagos Country Club, Tunde Benson, said the club was proud to host the competition, adding that it had a strong history of supporting youth sports development, including international table tennis events.
Strategic Project Lead of the American Business Council Nigeria, Joy Lawal, said the initiative aligned with the council’s goal of inclusive economic development.
“We see this platform as a chance for the next generation to develop self-control, gain exposure and develop confidence, which will grow the next generation’s economic strength,” she said, adding that the council would continue supporting the tournament.
Coach Patrick Oche said youth competitions like the Tennista tournament remained crucial for talent discovery and development.
“I have always seen so many talents in Nigeria but not enough platforms to grow them. These opportunities help these kids to explore, grow and thrive,” he said. Defending champion David Edward, winner of the 2025 edition, described the tournament as one of the most important junior tennis competitions in the country.
He said, Many players are able to attend and show off their skills. We have numerous chances to compete against skilled players, which aids in our improvement.” The American Business Council, MunchIt, Minimie, and Indomie are among the sponsors of the event.