Remember that young chap who dazzled at last year’s Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Junior Circuit in Kaduna? He is now in the United States of America, doing what he knows how best to do.
Gabriel Inyang was a relatively unknown figure when he went with his dad, Richard- a tennis coach with the VGC Tennis Club- to the International Tennis Academy, ITA-organised tennis circuit in Kaduna.
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| Gabriel Inyang, the young Nigerian tennis prodigy making Nigeria proud at the IMG Tennis Academy in the United States of America |
But, after the tournament, he had done enough to show the organisers and sponsors that money was not wasted on the tournament.
Gabriel only lost in the final of his age category after a tough battle with the eventual winner, but has since picked up from there to put up commanding performances at subsequent tournaments.
Naija Tennis Special can now exclusively report that the youngster, under the sponsorship of WAKANOW alongside the support of Azimuth shipping and other sports enthusiasts at the VGC Tennis Club, is making Nigeria proud at the biggest tennis academy in the world, the IMG Academy in America.
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| Gabriel’s dad, Richard Inyang, believes that the world is yet to see the best of his boy |
According to Mr. Inyang, young Gabriel is on a one-month training programme, and is expected back in Nigeria after playing a tournament organised by the world-renowned tennis academy.
“We are having a great time here,” he says amid smiles.
“All thanks to God, WAKANOW, Azimuth Shipping and the good people of VGC Tennis Club in Nigeria for making this a reality.
“Thanks also to the legendary Nick Boletteri, owner of the Academy, for his hospitality and warm welcome since we arrived here.
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| Gabriel is the only black among the trainees at the IMG Academy right now |
“The boy has continued to prove himself here and has justified the reasons for which such huge commitments were made on this trip.
“Hopefully, when we return to the country, he will be able to show his colleagues what he has learnt from his foreign counterparts,” Mr. Inyang told Naija Tennis Special from Houston, Texas.
Dark-skinned Gabriel, understood to be the only black at the Academy, also believes that he is learning a lot at the tennis school and cannot wait to show his friends what he has learnt.
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| Young Gabriel returns a serve in one of the training sessions at the IMG Academy in the United States |
“I am enjoying it out here. The people are friendly and the environment is also cool. Thanks to everybody for making this a reality,” he said.
Naija Tennis Special is certain to bring you his comprehensive interview when he returns to the country early next month.