Three of Nigeria’s top umpires have bagged the International Tennis Federation (ITF) certification as White badge Referees, Nigeria Tennis Live has gathered.
The umpires, Joseph Edili, Bitrus Danjuma, and Dr. Folashade Ogunshola were conferred with the certification in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire over the weekend.
The Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA) reckons that the certification followed a rigorous and highly competitive selection process by the ITF Selection Panel and the Nigerian trio’s outstanding performance at the Officiating School held from 23-27 April, 2025.
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“The laudable achievement is a true testament of hard work, dedication and commitment to officiating duties especially in area of the interpretation of Tennis Rules by the three officials,” a statement signed by Chukwunonso Nwabueze, the NTUA PRO, read in part.
While commending the officials for doing the country, NTF as well as the NTUA proud, Efe Okwagbe, Chairman of the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association, wished them safe trip back to the country.
This cheering news is coming at a time when the country is without any ITF certified Tennis Referee after the demise of the Late Arinola Isa Banire and Henry Okoro Ubochi whom before their deaths were the only ITF certified Tennis Referees in Nigeria.
“With this highly prestigious recognition, the officials are now qualified to officiate at international tennis events across the globe,” the NTUA added.