Dikko: Nigeria‘ll never again return empty-handed from Olympics

Nigeria’s days of returning from such big competitions as the Olympic Games and World Championships without a single medal are over, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has said.

Towards this end, Dikko has pledged to work with the private sector, states, and organisations such as the International Tennis Academy (ITA) involved in the structured age group development of talents to ensure Nigeria becomes a global sports power.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sapetro Futures Tennis Tournament, which was held at the Ikoyi Club, at the weekend, Dikko said: “My attending this event underlines the emphasis we are going to place on grassroots sports development going forward.

“We will work with the states to make sure that we can identify the best talent in all the major sports in age groups, starting from age 10 and I am sure that working with all stakeholders, Nigeria will never again return from an Olympic Games empty-handed.”

The Sapetro Futures Championship featured singles competitions in three age groups – Boys and Girls 12s, 14s, and 16s – with the finalists surprising guests with a high level of skills and tactics.

Bayelsa State took both the Boys and Girls U-12 titles with Excellency Oginiba beating Ghazal Ashim from Oyo State, and Karina Opuene outlasting Barakat Ganiyu, also from Oyo State in three 10-point tiebreak sets.

Nigeria’s precocious tennis talent from Lagos, Mofi Atilola, once again emerged as the star of the junior tournament. The 12 and under champion was pushed to the 14s and 16s and reached the finals in both events.

She beat Success Godwin of Ekiti in straight sets in the 14s but lost by the same margin to Goodnews Aina, from Ekiti State, who was winning