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Nigeria Needs Home Grown Tennis Solution – Segun Aluko

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2026

Nigeria needs a system through which young tennis talents are encouraged to grow within the shores of the country instead of trooping abroad in search of greener pastures, Sports247 reports.

This charge was given by the president of Nigeria Tennis Players’ Parents Association, Mr Segun Aluko, who stressed that looking for talents based abroad is not a proper approach to developing the racquet sport for the country.

Aluko added in an exclusive interview with Sports247: “We have a lot of players based in America, especially in colleges; but the most important thing is how do we develop a home-grown tennis solution.

“To play tennis in Europe and America costs an arm and a leg … it’s extremely expensive; yet there’s no guarantee that the players would even be successful.

“So, we need to have a system whereby we can build players in Nigeria, to at least play Futures and Challengers tournaments before we then raise them to the foreign mat.”

Aluko reckoned further that Nigerian players have shown in recent years that they have what it takes to seek top marks internationally, especially with the recent victory over Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup qualifiers played in Lagos.

He, however, warned that the country’s next outing will be tougher, as the Davis Cup team is scheduled to play away to Morocco in September, which would surely be a tricky outing for the ambitious visitors.

“It’s actually not easy to have players out there, but we are not doing badly. We are not there yet, where we had top players five, seven years ago, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

“Our next challenge in the Davis Cup will be Morocco, which is a very emotional set-up. They will do everything possible to ensure we don’t win. But, win or lose, I will still give our boys a lot of kudos.

“Considering how our boys defeated Uzbekistan, Morocco should not be a big deal, but it won’t be easy. We saw what they did in football to Nigeria and other countries at the Nations Cup.

“They are always very desperate to win; but we should see it as an opportunity for us to further develop our tennis and our system.

“Let’s prepare the boys properly to play against Morocco. They may not be lucky enough to win, since they will be playing away, but I know they will give a very good account of themselves,” Aluko enthused.

He concluded by pointing out that the Davis Cup adventure will further reveal the need for Nigeria to develop home-grown talent, who can be called upon at short notice to step out and lift the country’s flag very high at every point in time.

Aluko submitted, “This will help us to further see the reason why we must develop tennis here at home. We are trying, but we need to do better.

“For us to beat Uzbekistan, who are ranked around 45 in the world, and they have a player who defeated (Novak) Djokovic in the Australia Open singles, shows that there is something good about tennis in Nigeria.

“We just need to have the right investment, the right focus and the right concentration. We have a lot of talent, and our players are doing really well; but we have a lot of work to do.

“We have to put the right system in place and get a proper structure for the game in Nigeria, so that we can have a good chance in the world of tennis.”

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Featured

Seven-Year-Old Rising Star: Adesire Samuel Captivates with Exceptional Football Promise

Published

19 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Bryce Mullins

At just seven years old, Okunrinboye Adesire Samuel is already attracting attention as one of the most exciting emerging football talents in Nigeria, with his precocious skill, discipline, and maturity marking him out as a player to watch for the future.

Born on December 29, 2018, in Ondo Town and raised in Akure, Ondo State, Adesire is a Primary 3 pupil at Adetola International Nursery and Primary School, where he balances academic excellence with a rapidly growing football career.

Currently captaining the Under-10 side of Skima Brighten Football Academy, the young midfielder-forward has become known for his fearless dribbling, composure on the ball, and natural attacking instinct, traits that first became evident when he was only three years old.

A Talent Recognized Early

According to his father and mentor, Okunrinboye Olushola Paul, Adesire’s gift revealed itself in an unforgettable moment of childhood curiosity.

“On a particular day, our neighbor was practicing juggling, and Adesire stood frozen, watching the ball as if there was a divine connection between him and football,” his father recalled. “That was when I knew he was born to play.”

From that moment, football became inseparable from the young boy’s life.

By age two, he was already playing with his elder brother and training partner, Okunrinboye Opemipo Simeon, and by age three, his father had begun structured development of his talent.

Award-Winning Promise

Adesire’s biggest breakthrough came at the Unique Egalitarian Soccer Championship in Ede, Osun State, where he won the Most Promising Player Award, confirming his growing reputation among youth football circles.

He has since represented his academy in multiple tournaments, earning praise for his technical brilliance and courage against older, stronger opponents.

Though his dribbling flair makes him difficult to defend, it has also brought challenges.

“He loves taking on three or four defenders,” said his father. “Sometimes older players kick him to stop him, but he is learning how to balance dribbling with passing and smarter positioning.”

Football, Faith, and Character

Off the pitch, Adesire is described as calm, gentle, and compassionate, a child with what his family calls “a heart of gold.”

He is known for caring for younger children in his neighborhood, defending them, sharing food with hungry kids, and showing unusual empathy for someone his age.

He also enjoys reading the Bible, playing PlayStation football games, watching cartoons, especially Superbook, and practicing alone for hours, sometimes even indoors.

One memorable moment of that dedication came when, at age five, he accidentally broke the family television while practicing ball control in the sitting room.

“I didn’t punish him,” his father said. “I didn’t want to discourage his passion.”

Driven by Big Dreams

Adesire dreams of one day playing for Chelsea FC, inspired by global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Ronaldinho.

In his own words:

“I always ask my Daddy to take me to go and train so I can be like Ronaldinho.”

His long-term ambition is clear: to develop abroad in elite football environments such as Spain or England, where he hopes world-class coaches can refine his abilities into professional excellence.

A Father’s Commitment, A Wider Lesson

Since losing his mother, the late Mrs. Temitope Okunrinboye, Adesire has been raised in a close-knit family of three, his father, elder brother, and himself.

His father, a civil servant, has become his greatest supporter, transporting him to training sessions every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, often spending up to five hours supervising practice.

“The more you train harder, the better you become and the closer you are to your dreams,” his father tells him regularly.

Their story is increasingly being seen as a model of intentional parenting in talent development, an example of how early recognition, sacrifice, and guidance can transform raw ability into structured promise.

More Than a Football Story

Adesire’s journey is not just about football, it is also about education, parenting, and opportunity.

His story highlights the importance of discovering children’s talents early, nurturing them responsibly, and proving that academic success and athletic ambition can coexist.

For now, the gifted seven-year-old continues to train relentlessly in Akure, carrying with him not only the dreams of a child but the growing expectations of a football future Nigeria may one day celebrate on the world stage.

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Featured

Ifeanyi Osondu Signs First Professional Contract with Kisvárda FC

Published

3 days ago

April 14, 2026

Elliot Michael

Promising Nigerian talent Ifeanyi Osondu has officially taken a major step in his football career, signing his first professional contract with Hungarian club Kisvárda FC.

The youngster, who developed at Klassisch Football Academy in Lagos State, expressed excitement after sealing the move, describing it as a significant milestone in his journey.

Osondu is now set to begin a new chapter in Hungary, where he aims to showcase his abilities and make a meaningful impact with the club, fondly known as the Várkerti Vitézek.

The deal was successfully facilitated by UK-based Nigerian FIFA-licensed agent Philip Mba, who played a key role in securing the move for the highly rated prospect.

Kisvárda FC, based in the northeastern region of Hungary, provides Osondu with a platform to develop further in European football.

The move represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as he transitions from grassroots football in Nigeria to the professional ranks abroad.

Osondu’s signing reflects the growing trend of Nigerian youth talents making early moves to Europe in pursuit of development and exposure.

With the right environment and guidance, he will be looking to establish himself, gain valuable experience, and progress within the competitive European football system.

As he embarks on this new journey, expectations will be high for the young forward to adapt quickly and seize the opportunity to grow into a key player for his new club.

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DG NSC Lifts Team Nigeria Judo Camp With a Morale Boosting Visit head of African Championship in Kenya

Published

3 days ago

April 14, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

The camp of the Nigeria senior judo team received a big boost on Monday following the visit of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, ahead of the forthcoming Africa senior judo championship in Kenya.

The DG and his team visited the players in training and reassured them of the Government’s full support as they intensified preparations to fly the country’s flag in Nairobi, Kenya later this month.

The DG reaffirmed the Sports Commission’s Committment to ensure no stone is left unturned for the team to prepare adequately for the tournament.

“I salute you guys dedication and commitment but at the same time I also want to urge you all to stay disciplined at all times and put in the hardwork to achieve a successful outing in Kenya”.

“I personally bring you greetings from the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who is also keen to see that sport like Judo reaches its full potential adequate support”.

“I understand that this year’s tournament in Kenya is also a pathway to the Olympic qualifiers which attest to the seriousness the Commission has attached to your camping and preparations”.

“Be rest assured that all your requests have been approved and your guy’s job is to go out there and do the country proud in performance and in conduct”.

Captain of the team Kehinde Aremu while thanking the Director General for the morale boosting visit, added that the visit has further put more fire in their belly to go do the country proud.

The Director General later left the judokas with plenty of smiles and cheers as he personally splashed some cash on them.

The Africa senior Judo championship holds from the 20th to the 29th of April in Nairobi, Kenya.

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