Favour Moses: Rising Above The Odds To Become A Tennis Superstar

At just 19 years old, Favour Moses from Edo State has already experienced the highs and lows of a burgeoning tennis career.

Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to her love for the sport despite numerous challenges. Born and raised in Kaduna State, Favour’s story is one of serendipity and tenacity.

“My mom used to own a restaurant opposite NNPC staff quarters where they have a tennis court,” Favour recalls when approached for an interview by Nigeria Tennis Live correspondent.

“The coach, Monday Izomor, bought food from my mum, and that was where he saw me and asked me to start playing. He got me a tennis shoe and racket.” This chance encounter set the stage for Favour’s entry into the world of tennis.

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Coach Izomor, a seasoned trainer brought in from Lagos, saw potentials in the young girl. She became his first player in Kaduna, a place where he had no other trainees.

“He has brought many players up. I guess he wanted to bring another player from the North. Luckily, it was me,” Favour explains.

Favour’s tennis journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. She has participated in countless junior and senior tournaments, including Snepco, Shell, Junior Masters, Chevron, and NNPC in the junior category, and CBN, DAVNOTCH, VEMP, Dala Hard Court, Rainoil, and Jome in the senior category. Despite these accomplishments, her path has not been smooth.

“It’s not been so smooth, but I’m better. I believe even though I could be one of the best players,” she says, reflecting on the inconsistency in her performance. “This season I’m playing so well, and the next I’m not doing too good.”

A significant hurdle in Favour’s journey has been the lack of consistent coaching. Her former coach relocated to Delta, and since she had to attend school in Lagos, she has been without a coach for the past four years.

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“I don’t have any money to afford a coach,” Favour laments. “Not having anyone to tell you what you are doing is wrong or right feels lonely.”

The absence of a coach has not only affected her technical skills but also her mental well-being. “I think I need consistent coaching classes and also a psychologist on how to manage my feelings off and on the court,” she acknowledges. “And also play more competitions to get me more active”.

Despite these challenges, Favour remains resilient and focused on her goals. “Finally leaving Nigeria for college is my biggest dream right now,” she says with determination. Her aspirations extend beyond the local tennis courts, and she dreams of furthering her education and tennis career abroad.

Favour draws inspiration from Nigerian tennis players like Mariam Alibalogun and Jumai Mohammed. “Because they didn’t have any opportunity. Mariam was not so good when she was in Nigeria, but she never stopped, and now she’s not here,” she explains.

While she admires Oyinlomo Quadre for her success, she relates more to players who, like her, had to struggle against the odds.

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In a humorous yet revealing moment, Favour shares her thoughts on personal relationships within the tennis community.

“I would love to [date or marry a tennis player], but not a Nigerian tennis player,” she states bluntly. “I’m not attracted to any Nigerian tennis player at the moment,” she added.

Favour Moses’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. From the tennis courts of Kaduna to her dreams of international success, she continues to fight against the odds, driven by a passion for the sport and a vision of a brighter future.