By ORKULA SHAAGEE, Abuja –
The Chevron Junior Tennis Masters which was the highlight of a coaching and training clinic that impacted close to 1000 school children in seven locations across the country ended with fanfare Saturday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.
The Masters tournament which featured competitions in three age groups – boys and girls 12s, 14s & 16s – saw a display of very high skill levels in all the categories with the Amasiani brothers from Abuja going away with two titles.
Ikem Amasiani started the victory run by edging Adeiza Yakubu from Lagos in the Boys 12s final while Dubem the older brother who is 12 and is one of the most promising juniors in the Nigeria, moved up one age group and still came out victorious against Seyi Ogunsakin from Ekiti. The Boys 16s title was won by Gbolahan Olawale from Ondo who bested Yohana Yakubu from Abuja.
In the Girls’ events, Aina Goodnews from Ondo won the Girls 16s beating Sarah Adisa from Ondo while Mofifun Atilola from Lagos won the girls title in a closely contested match against Salvation Alex from Abuja.
Favour Okon-James from the Geuf Tennis Academy in Uyo won the Girls 14s, upsetting pre-match favourite Gloria Samuel from Ekiti. Okon-James also got the most improved player (MIP) award which goes with a special trophy. The MIP for the boys went to Joel Michael, a 12 year-old who also upgraded to the 14s and gave the finalists a run for their money in the group stages and the semifinals.
The General Manager, Policy and Government Affairs of Chevron, Ebimaje Brikinn, in his address said Chevron Nigeria was very happy with the impact the program has made these past 20 years in producing champions and engaging and empowering Nigerian youth and appreciated all those who have contributed in one way or the other to the success story. The GM was represented by Mrs Ebisan Akinsanya.
The Honourable Minister of Sports Senator John Owan Enoh, who was represented, said he would ensure that all sports under the ministry got all the support and attention they need to engage and empower the youth as well as produce world class talent. He commended the sponsors for their consistency and high standard and the International Tennis Academy, organisers of the program, for the passion and determination to impact sports in Nigeria.
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