Paul Moses, Director, ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 tournament, has said developing young players was critical in securing an upgrade to a higher level.
Moses stated this at the second edition of the competition on Monday in Lagos.
The two-week tournament is slated for Nov. 2 to Nov. 7 and Nov. 9 to Nov. 14.
The tournament director said hosting the tournament in Lagos would attract more young players and spectators, strengthening Nigeria’s case for an upgrade to J60 or J100 status.
According to him, Nigeria has hosted the J30 tournaments for about four to five years, mainly in Abuja, with participation and attendance needing improvement.
“We decided to bring the tournament to Lagos because we have many players here and expect more participation from West Africa,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that players from nine countries are competing in the tournament, alongside a large Nigerian contingent.
Moses expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the boys’ singles draw had reached its capacity of 32 players, while the girls’ draw had 31 of the available 32 slots filled.
He added that the qualifying draw was also filled, with several Nigerian players still seeking opportunities to participate.
According to him, the tournament can help young Nigerian players earn international ranking points and advance their careers.
“Every young player competing in ITF junior tournaments dreams of playing in a Grand Slam,” he said.
He explained that ranking points could also help players secure university admission and scholarships in the U.S., particularly in Division One and Division Two colleges.
Moses said the competition offered Nigerian players an opportunity to face international opponents without travelling abroad.
He noted that the large Nigerian contingent would give local players more opportunities to progress through the rounds.
“Most of our players will be meeting each other, and that gives them a chance to go far in the competition,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigerian players could reach the final, noting that many had trained intensively on clay courts, for three to four weeks.
“They have been working hard, playing matches and doing fitness training. I believe they will perform very well,” he said.
Moses added that a Nigerian victory would boost the country’s image and demonstrate the growth of tennis.
“For me, if we organise an international tournament and Nigerian players win the trophy, it shows how serious we are about tennis,” he said.
He said the organisers had not encountered major challenges, but were concerned about the weather.
Moses noted that recent rainfall and forecasts of possible storms could disrupt the competition, adding that the organisers hoped to avoid delays to scheduled matches.
Meanwhile, Mofifunoluwa Atilola, a female player, said she hoped to reach the quarter-finals.
Atilola described the tournament as important to her development, noting that it was her first ITF competition.
“This is my first tournament and I really want to do my best. I also want to get an international ranking,” she said.
She said her target was to enjoy the competition and progress as far as possible.
“I want to reach at least the quarter-final or semi-final and hopefully, the final,” she added.
Also speaking, Nathaniel Aluko, a player from Ondo, said competing in Lagos was special because he trained regularly at the venue.
“It means a lot to me because this is where I train most of the time. I have been training here for a long time, so I know the place very well,” he said.
Aluko said his target was to give his best and progress as far as possible.
“My goal is to do my best and then we will see how far I can go,” he said.
He added that competing abroad would expose him to different people and cultures.
“It feels good to connect with people and learn about different cultures around the world. It also helps me socialise,” he said.
Majeed Wuraola, a coach and parent of a player, said the tournament offered young Nigerian players valuable international exposure.
He said hosting the competition in Nigeria reduced travel costs and allowed more players to participate.
“Hosting the tournament in Nigeria reduces travel costs and gives more young players the chance to participate,” he said.
Wuraola said the competition also provided opportunities to earn ranking points and improve players’ chances of securing opportunities abroad.
“Players can earn ranking points and open up more opportunities,” he said.
He noted that competing at a high level helped players identify their strengths and areas requiring improvement.
“When you compete, you see what you do well and what you need to improve,” he said.
Wuraola called for more international tournaments in Nigeria to provide young players with regular competition and improve their development.
“We need more tournaments in Nigeria to give our young players regular competition,” he said.
He described the Lagos competition as well-organised adding that it met international standards.
“The tournament is wonderful, well-organised and meets international standards,” he said.
Similarly, Tunde Agunbiade, a tennis coach from Cross River, praised the tournament for promoting player development and grassroots participation.
Agunbiade said the competition had improved in organisation, turnout and player performance, compared with last year.
“The turnout is very good and the players’ performance has improved. The environment, attendance and players’ behaviour are also better,” he said.
He said the J30 tournament had introduced at least 12 Nigerian players to ITF competition this year.
“The J30 is the entry level of the tournament. We expect more new players to participate because that is what it is designed for,” he said.
Agunbiade commended the Lagos Country Club for supporting grassroots tennis through the international competition.
“It takes a strong club with a solid tennis foundation to support an event that is international, grassroots and developmental,” he said.
He described the tournament as an important bridge to the future of Nigerian tennis.
Meanwhile, Nigerian players recorded notable victories in the singles events.
Oyinkansola Adeumobi defeated compatriot Sarah Nasirat Tijani 6-2, 6-4 in the girls’ singles.
In the boys’ singles, Samuel Adegbite defeated Testimony Godwin 6-4, 7-5.
Heman Aframai also defeated Poland’s Oliver Kowzan 6-2, 6-1.
Another Nigerian, Joel Michael, defeated Britain’s Andrew Legrand 6-1 6-3.
The competition is part of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Juniors series.
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