The Nigerian tennis space has been thrown into serious confusion over reports making the rounds that an Osun-based coach reportedly impregnated one of his players, a minor.
The coach, Yinka Akinrinade from Osun State, was reported to have slept with the players, one of who was his 13-year-old daughter during a competition in Lagos sometime in September.
The second player he allegedly had carnal knowledge of, an unidentified 14-year-old player, reportedly took in and was said to be thirteen weeks pregnant as at the time this report was filed.
Nigeria Tennis Live gathered that the coach reportedly blamed the act on alcohol as he was said to be treating pile with a herbal drink prepared with alcohol.
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He reportedly slept off naked in the room of the players where he claimed to have been running a fitness session with them and woke up the next to day to ask if anything happened to which they answered in the negative.
Since this report reached the tennis players and other officials, there have been a lot of reactions with a number of persons expressing disbelief, shock, embarrassment, among other emotional outbursts.
“No way! This is the height of it,” one of the respondents said just as another expressed disbelief that such an incident could have occurred.
“Sir, I don’t think this is a normal thing. That coach is a very, very nice guy. I feel sorry for his son’s career because he is turning out to be a good player,” another respondent noted.
One of the players who reacted to the report, however, noted that it was not a new occurrence, stating in fact, that she could have been a victim of sexual molestation if she had not stood her ground.
“It happens, and yes, I am a living witness. We don’t fall for their traps, instead, we see them as fools.
“It’s not only the coaches, the members in the tennis club also do this thing. They try to lure tennis girls, and tell them that they will sponsor them.
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“A lot is going on, but the grace of God is protecting us from falling victim,” the female player who pleaded anonymity, offered.
One of the coaches who also responded to the report noted that if it is true, Akinrinade must have his license revoked if he is a licensed coach.
“This is really embarrassing to the noble profession of tennis. I am not sure this man is licensed but if he is, the license has to be revoked,” the coach who wouldn’t want his name mentioned explained.
Speaking on the new development, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, the president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), noted that he was unaware of the situation.
He noted, however, that “Investigation will certainly reveal the truth.”
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