No fewer than 70 players are expected at the second edition of the Isa Adewale junior tournament holding in Kaduna State.
Nigeria Tennis Live gathered that the youngsters coming from about nine states of the Federation have so far indicated their interest in attending the competition.
Speaking on how significant this tournament is to them, Nurudeen Isa, one of Isa Adewale’s children, explained that it is a way of giving back to the society that gave them a lot through tennis.
In a chat with our correspondent, the US-based former tennis star explained that he’s trying all he can to ensure that the tournament continues as an annual event.
“By the special grace of God, we are hoping that it will be an annual event that will help unearth junior players.
“These players will become the future of tennis in Nigeria, and that is what I believe we should be working on at the moment.
“It is first for 12 & 14 players after which it can probably be expanded into a full blown national junior event for young players,” he explained.
Coach Mohammed Ubale, the Tournament Director also informed that he is proud to be associated with the tournament as it organized in honour of his former coach.
According to him: “he was our coach during back in he days.
“And during that time, he brought Yakubu Suleiman, Abubakar Suleiman, Bulus Bako, Ubale Mohammed, Richard Odey, Elizabeth Okochov, Grace Yanet, Nuru Isa, etc.
“He also went to Los Angeles Olympic games with Yakubu Suleiman in 1984.
“So, this is a tournament we attach great importance and which is very personal to many of us.”
The players coming in from Kano, Abuja, Jigawa, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Delta and Kwara states to meet the host, Kaduna, are expected to arrive on Wednesday, 24 March, 2021.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep monitoring all the activities from the tournament and report the progress to our teeming followers.