Even though they are presently representing Nigeria at the ongoing ITF West and Central African Junior Championships (AJC) in Lome, Togo, Oiza Yakubu, Serena Teluwo, Iye Onoja, among others, have been confirmed for the 2nd Azimuth Shipping Lines Junior Tennis Championships which kicks off in Lagos soon.
Confirming this development to Nigeria Tennis Live was Coach Richard Inyang, one of the organizers of the annual event which is fast gaining momentum among elite junior tournaments in the country.
He explained that majority of the top junior tennis stars at the ongoing AJC tournament will be participating in the second edition of the junior championship.
Captain O. Martins posing with some top national juniors who won the 2018 edition of the tournament.
The well-traveled junior tennis coach also revealed to Nigeria Tennis Live that this year’s competition will now only feature boys and girls within the 12, 14 & 16 age brackets as against the earlier report that the U-18s would be allowed to compete.
According to information made available to our correspondent, the sponsor advised that focus should be on the three age categories for proper planning while assuring that the U-18 age cadre will be re-introduced in 2020 all things being equal.
“The sponsor advised that we maintain three categories; the 12, 14 and 16 age grades, for a smoother coordination. The U-18s will be considered next year,” one of the organisers told our correspondent.
Azimuth Shipping Lines Limited has also assured the players that they are sure to win fabulous prizes and educational grants like the previous edition.
According to one of the organizing team: “This is already an assurance because the sponsor, Captain S. O. Martins, will not say a thing and renege on it.”
Gabriel Inyang, one of the finest young tennis players of his generation, is also one of the players to watch out for, having won the first edition of the tournament at the Tennis Section of the Victoria Garden City (VGC) Club, Lagos.
Nigeria Tennis Live will continue to monitor activities preceding the tournament and report to our teeming tennis followers from every part of the world.