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Nigeria Needs Home Grown Tennis Solution – Segun Aluko

Published

4 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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The post Nigeria Needs Home Grown Tennis Solution – Segun Aluko appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Featured

Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title

Published

24 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Elliot Michael

Nigeria’s rising athletics sensation, Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi, has etched his name into the history books after becoming the first Nigerian male athlete to win the NCAA men’s javelin title.

The talented thrower achieved the remarkable feat on Thursday at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, producing a sensational performance to clinch the prestigious collegiate crown.

Nnamdi set the tone early in the competition with a massive opening throw of 82.26 metres, a mark that proved unbeatable throughout the event. His dominance was evident from the very first round as he outclassed a highly competitive field.

The Nigerian star delivered two throws beyond the 80-metre mark, underlining his consistency and quality on one of the biggest stages in collegiate athletics.

Representing his institution with distinction, Nnamdi finished ahead of Bahamas’ Keyshawn Strachan, who claimed second place with a best throw of 80.65m, while Jack Larriviere settled for third position after recording 77.91m.

The historic triumph marks another major milestone in Nnamdi’s rapidly growing career and further highlights Nigeria’s increasing influence in field events on the global athletics scene.

By securing the NCAA title, Nnamdi not only captured one of the most coveted honours in college athletics but also cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest track and field prospects.

His groundbreaking achievement is expected to serve as inspiration for aspiring Nigerian athletes while reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in events traditionally dominated by athletes from Europe and North America.

With this latest success, Nnamdi continues to strengthen his credentials ahead of future international competitions and major championships.

The post Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Nnamdi Makes History as First Nigerian Man to Win NCAA Javelin Title appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Featured

Amaju Pinnick Admits Back-To-Back World Cup Failures Remain A Major Regret

Published

24 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Kenny Malone

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has admitted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for back-to-back FIFA World Cups remains one of the biggest disappointments of his football administration career.

Reflecting on the Super Eagles’ absence from consecutive World Cup tournaments, Pinnick described the situation as painful given the enormous opportunities that come with participating on football’s biggest stage.

“Missing back-to-back World Cups is one of my biggest regrets,” Pinnick said.

According to the former NFF president, qualifying for the World Cup goes beyond football success, as it also brings commercial benefits, international exposure, and national pride.

“The World Cup helps put the country on the global map,” he implied.

Pinnick stressed that the absence from consecutive tournaments has deprived Nigerian football of valuable opportunities both on and off the pitch.

“There are many benefits attached to World Cup participation,” he noted.

Despite the disappointment, the football administrator expressed confidence that Nigerian football is moving in the right direction.

“The NFF is working hard to correct the situation,” he added.

Pinnick revealed that the long-term objective is not only to qualify for the next World Cup but also to make a significant impact at the tournament.

“We are hungry to qualify and make a statement,” he stressed.

The former football boss also declared that Nigeria’s ambitions begin with the next Africa Cup of Nations.

“Nigeria is ready to challenge for the AFCON title again,” he said.

The Super Eagles continue rebuilding under coach Eric Chelle as preparations continue for future competitions.

“Many supporters are eager to see Nigeria return to the World Cup stage,” football observers believe.

For Amaju Pinnick, the message is clear.

Missing consecutive World Cups remains painful.

The federation is determined to reverse the trend.

And Nigeria must return to competing among the world’s elite football nations.

Because the World Cup remains the ultimate stage for showcasing a country’s football strength and global ambition.

The post Amaju Pinnick Admits Back-To-Back World Cup Failures Remain A Major Regret first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Amaju Pinnick Admits Back-To-Back World Cup Failures Remain A Major Regret appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Featured

Terem Moffi Believes Super Eagles Are Close To Ending AFCON Trophy Wait

Published

24 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Elliot Michael

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has expressed confidence that Nigeria is edging closer to winning a major international trophy after coming agonisingly close in recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Reflecting on the team’s recent performances, Moffi noted that the Super Eagles have shown steady progress despite falling short of lifting the trophy.

“I believe we are getting closer to achieving something special,” Moffi said.

According to the forward, Nigeria’s silver-medal finish and bronze-medal success in the last two AFCON tournaments demonstrate that the team is moving in the right direction.

“The signs are there that we can achieve something big,” he implied.

Moffi, however, warned that talent alone will not be enough to end Nigeria’s wait for continental glory.

“We still have to work very hard to make it happen,” he noted.

The OGC Nice striker stressed that success at major tournaments requires commitment, discipline, and consistency from every member of the squad.

“It will take a lot of hard work from everyone,” he added.

Nigeria continues rebuilding under coach Eric Chelle, with several new players being integrated into the national team setup.

“The squad has a good blend of experience and emerging talent,” many football observers believe.

Recent performances against top opposition have also increased optimism about the future of the Super Eagles.

“There is a growing belief that the team can compete for major honours again,” supporters continue to say.

For Terem Moffi, the message is clear.

The Super Eagles are moving in the right direction.

A major trophy remains within reach.