Abuja, June 14, 2026 – Former President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Sani Ndanusa, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of play displayed at the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship, describing it as a positive sign for the future of Nigerian tennis.
Speaking with journalists at the conclusion of the tournament’s second week in Abuja, Ndanusa said the performances of the country’s young players reflected steady progress in grassroots tennis development.
According to him, the emergence of new Nigerian talents on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit is encouraging and demonstrates that efforts to nurture the sport are beginning to yield results.
He also praised NASCO Group and the ITF for their continued support of junior tennis, noting that the sponsorship had played a significant role in strengthening the competition and creating opportunities for young athletes.
Representing NASCO Group, Bunmi Ashimolowo reiterated the company’s commitment to youth development through sports and its determination to continue supporting initiatives that help young athletes realise their potential.
The tournament coordinator for NASCO Group, Oke Joseph, disclosed that nearly 30 per cent of the Nigerian participants were making their debut in an ITF competition and were able to earn valuable world ranking points through the tournament’s round-robin format.
Joseph expressed delight with the overall success of the championship and revealed plans to seek a higher classification for future editions of the event.
He explained that organisers are targeting an upgrade from the current J30 category to a J60 tournament by 2027 as part of efforts to expand its impact and attract stronger participation.
In the girls’ singles final, Success Ogunjobi emerged champion after defeating fellow Nigerian Khadijat Mohammed in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1.
Ogunjobi later partnered Emmanuel Kwange to secure the girls’ doubles title with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over Khadijat Mohammed and Sri Lanka’s V.D. Rashmi Omaye Wijewardana.
Nigeria’s Gbolahan Olawale reached the boys’ singles final but was defeated 6-1, 7-6(8) by China’s Hengzhi Cui. Olawale and Ishaku Kwange also finished as runners-up in the boys’ doubles event after losing 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 to the Chinese duo of Jinxuan Cheng and Hengzhi Cui.
The championship, which attracted participants from 14 countries, ran for six days and provided a platform for emerging tennis talents from across the world to showcase their abilities and gain valuable international experience.