Over 200 Players storm Lagos Island Lawn Tennis Club for Lagos Schools' Tennis Championship

Posted : 20 October 2023

Over 200 students from schools within and outside Lagos State are now participating in the ongoing Lagos Schools' Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.

Tournament Coordinator, Sunday Igbinovia, said that a total of 152 players across U-10, U-14, and U-18 boys and girls were officially registered to participate in the four-day event, which is sponsored by the Allison and Oluremi Ayida Foundation.

The excited former national tennis player, Igbinovia, who now runs a tennis academy in Lagos, noted that he was not surprised by the turnout of the players, given that there are not so many tournaments for them to play despite their consistent training routines.

Igbinovia said: "Day 1 is always a bit tough and filled with pressure from parents and coaches who attend the competition because it's the first day of the competition.

"However, we always have to stand our ground and strictly follow the ITF rules, which are consistent across the globe.

"Tomorrow will be all about matches, and we plan to end the preliminary stages by then."

On the level of competition, Ayida alluded to the fact that many top national junior players also registered to play, an indication that the tournament is not one without quality opposition.

"So far, we've had a number of top players from different states across Nigeria from U-10 to U-18. It's an open event, and as I said, the prizes are very attractive.

"It is not unusual to have this level of competition in the tournament," he told journalists at the venue of the competition.

Speaking also on behalf of the sponsors, Laolu Akerele expressed his delight at the number of participants and believes this is the beginning of something great for the foundation.

"I am delighted that the tournament by the Allison and Oluremi Foundation is underway. It has been a great start knowing that nearly 200 players registered, and I cannot wait to see how the weekend pans out.

"This is the beginning of something special, and I am excited to see the final on Sunday. I know that the talent of these children and young adults will be shown from the get-go," he said.

The competition, which kicked off on Thursday, October 19, will reach its climax on Sunday, October 22, with the unveiling of the Allison Ayida Pavilion inside the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

Over 200 Players storm Lagos Island Lawn Tennis Club for Lagos Schools' Tennis Championship

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