Lawrence Pius: FUTMINNA’s Unplayable Tennis Genius

Lawrence Pius and his passion for tennis began like many childhood fascinations – innocently, with curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Growing up in Niger State, Nigeria, Pius found himself drawn to the tennis courts, where children clad in sharp sports attire practiced their drills with dedication.

His journey from a wide-eyed nine-year-old spectator to a national tennis contender is a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the sport.

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“It was really captivating,” he says about his early days during an interview with Nigeria Tennis Live. “I used to follow my friends to training. For a child, it’s fun, and as I grew older, things became serious; it became business and career.”

As a final-year Statistics student at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Pius balances his academic responsibilities with an intense tennis training regimen.

His initial foray into the sport, marked by simple drills and the joy of hitting clean shots, laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

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“Since childhood, my journey in tennis has been a transformative and exhilarating ride,” Pius recalls. “It all began when I first picked up a racket as a wide-eyed youngster, captivated by the sight of tennis matches at the sports club.”

His early years were characterized by curiosity and a hunger to learn. He gradually honed his technique, developing coordination and an understanding of the game. His passion flourished as he participated in local tournaments and school games, gaining exposure to the competitive nature of tennis.

Each match, whether a victory or a defeat, taught him invaluable lessons in humility, resilience, and the importance of continuous improvement.

“I sought guidance from my experienced coach, Ishaku Kwange,” Pius recalls. “His mentorship was instrumental in shaping my game and pushing me to reach new levels of performance.”

Under Coach Ishaku’s tutelage, Pius refined his technique, enhanced his physical fitness, and developed a strategic mindset. This rigorous training bore fruit as he competed in various tournaments.

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In 2018, Pius played at the West African University Games (WAUG) in Rivers State, reaching the quarterfinals.

He also competed in the Pre-NUGA at Prince Audu Abubakar University, Kogi State, where he and his partner, Emmanuel Oche, qualified for the men’s doubles. Although they only reached the second round at the Main NUGA at Unilag, their determination was evident.

Beyond university competitions, Pius has made his mark on the national stage. He has participated in prestigious tournaments like the CBN, Dala Hard Court Tournament, VEMP Open, and Rainoil Open, achieving a national ranking of 36 in 2018/2019.

“I do my best at every tournament,” he asserts. “Each match is an opportunity to learn and grow.”

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Pius’s journey has not been without challenges. Sponsorship remains a significant hurdle, as the costs of sporting gear and tournament fees are substantial.

He says: “Tennis is an expensive game. Getting sponsorship to take care of the bills for your sporting gear is tough.”

Additionally, the scarcity of local tournaments poses a challenge for players who cannot frequently travel long distances.

“There should be lots of tournaments in the country so that players can choose which one to play,” Pius advocates. “Having lots of tournaments will keep players busy all year round and even allow us to compete with foreign players.”

Despite these challenges, Pius draws strength from his supporters and the sense of playing for something bigger than himself – his school and his team. His love for tennis legends like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal fuels his passion, but it is Roger Federer who truly inspires him.

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“Roger Federer, even as he’s retired, has been the one,” the student-athlete says with admiration. “I still feel the energy watching Roger’s videos. There is this level of love you have for someone that you can’t just explain. He’s got my heart all around.”

As Pius looks ahead, he and his team have set ambitious goals for the upcoming university games. Personally, he aims to push his limits and strive for personal records while contributing to his team’s success.

According to him: “Ultimately, our goal is to represent our school with pride, demonstrate our skills, and compete at the highest level possible. And most importantly, return home with the Golden Crown.”

Pius’s journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. From his humble beginnings on the tennis courts of Niger State to his aspirations of national glory, Pius embodies the spirit of a true athlete—driven, dedicated, and determined to succeed.