The report of the sudden demise of Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has sent shock waves across the tennis fraternity in Nigeria and beyond.
The demise of the NTF numero uno was announced on Thursday, with multiple sources confirming the incident, and the condolences would not stop pouring in from different parts of the globe, with most people expressing shock at the report.
Engr. Akindoju reportedly passed on in the hospital while undergoing treatment despite the fact that he was said to have started getting better as at Wednesday, 1 October, 2025, when some people paid him a visit, hence the shock when his passing was announced.
In a condolence message by Jean-Claude Talon, the president of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), the sponsor of the annual VEMP Open tennis championship was described as “a man of his word, guided by wisdom, strong values, and deep commitment to his family”.
“His presence and leadership will be deeply missed, not only by African Tennis but by the global tennis family,” the message read further.
The official statement by the NTF announcing his demise also described him as one who “served Nigerian tennis with unwavering passion, vision, and dedication, and his leadership has left an indelible mark on the growth and development of the sport in our nation”.
Adding: “His commitment to players, coaches, officials, and the entire tennis family will forever be remembered”.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to the social media to express their shock and grief at the passing of the NTF President, whom many described as loving and very kind.
Some of the reactions to his death are as follows: “Most shocking news, May his gentle soul rest in peace”, “I can’t believe it. The club members were with him yesterday and he said he’s getting much better. What a tragedy. May his gentle and humble soul rest in perfect peace. What a Lost. Philanthropy to the core”.
“Hummmmmmmm what a small word we live in, just like yesterday. Rest On President Dayo”, “Whaaaaaaat? Omg! May his soul rest in peace”, “Blood of Jesus!! What!!!!!! No, no, no, no, how????????? Wtf!!! Guyyyyyyy this is not good at allllllllll. This is the most shocking news i have heard this year”.
One of the members at the Abuja Country Club, where he was also their President, wrote: “It is very sad that Dayo left us now. At Abuja Country Club where he was the president, I was with him around March/ April 2025 where he donated a huge sum of money in millions towards the club’s construction project.
“He sponsored international tennis tournaments and represented the Nigerian tennis very well within and outside Nigeria. May your soul rest peacefully”.
Another person wrote: “Wow … somebody that planned a meeting with me anytime he comes to Lagos from Abuja … his dreams as he told me privately was to bid for another term to put things right in Nigerian tennis in spite of the heavy financial capital expenditure – he said he was a bonafide ‘Salepe Boy’ from the grassroots – sadly I never met him one-on-one. My heartfelt condolences to the family”.
As the Nigerian tennis family continue to mourn the passing of the NTF president, Nigeria Tennis Live will keep tabs on the plans for the interment of the CAT Vice President.