Nigeria’s junior tennis player, Mabubat Adenike Rasaki of Oyo State, has earned a call-up to represent Africa at the ATF 12&U Intercontinental Team Competition scheduled for Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from October 12 to 17, 2026, in a major boost for Nigeria’s junior tennis development programme.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria’s Mabubat Adenike Rasaki has been selected to represent Africa at an international Under-12 tennis competition.
- The tournament will take place in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from October 12 to 17, 2026.
- Rasaki’s selection by the Confederation of African Tennis recognises her progress in junior tennis.
- She was part of Nigeria’s team that won the West African Under-12 competition alongside Dabira Oluwaseyi and Chisimdi Afam-Mbonu.
- The Nigeria Tennis Federation continues to prioritise grassroots development and youth talent identification.
- Mofifunoluwa Atilola and Oluwaseun Peter Ogunsakin are among other Nigerian players making notable progress.
- Rasaki’s participation will provide valuable international experience and an opportunity to showcase Nigerian talent.
Rasaki Earns Continental Recognition
Rasaki’s selection by the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) marks another milestone in her young career and highlights the growing presence of Nigerian players in continental junior tennis.
The ATF 12&U Intercontinental Team Competition will bring together promising Under-12 players from different continents, providing an opportunity for participants to test their abilities against international opponents.
For the Oyo State youngster, the tournament represents an important opportunity to gain experience, develop her competitive skills and contribute to Africa’s performance on the international stage.
Her selection follows impressive performances in the Under-12 category, including Nigeria’s success at the West African Under-12 level.
Rasaki teamed up with Dabira Oluwaseyi and Chisimdi Afam-Mbonu to help Nigeria emerge champions and qualify for the African Junior Tennis Championship.
NTF Strengthens Grassroots Tennis Development
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has continued to focus on identifying, developing and supporting young players capable of representing the country at major international competitions.
Under the leadership of its president, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Victor Ochei, Esq., FNSE, the federation has prioritised grassroots development, early talent identification and increased exposure to competitive tennis.
These efforts are aimed at creating pathways for promising players to progress from domestic tournaments to African championships and international competitions.
Rasaki’s call-up provides another opportunity to highlight the potential of structured junior development and sustained investment in emerging Nigerian tennis talent.
Atilola, Ogunsakin Also Make Progress
Rasaki’s achievement comes amid encouraging performances by other Nigerian players on the junior and international tennis circuits.
One of them is Mofifunoluwa Atilola, who reportedly enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2026, winning three trophies during an ITF/CAT Under-14 circuit in Algeria and rising to sixth in the African Under-14 rankings.
The 12-year-old subsequently reached the semifinals of the African Junior Championship in Morocco, competing against players older than her.
Nigeria has also recorded a notable achievement through Oluwaseun Peter Ogunsakin, who reportedly became the first Nigerian since Nduka Odizor in 1990 to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match in 2026.
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The performances of Rasaki, Atilola, Ogunsakin and other emerging players point to opportunities for Nigerian youngsters to progress from local competitions to continental and global tennis events.
Focus Turns to Kazakhstan Competition
As Rasaki prepares for the competition in Kazakhstan, attention will be on her performance alongside other selected African players at the Under-12 event.
Her participation will offer valuable exposure to international competition while giving her an opportunity to develop her game against players from other regions.
For Nigerian tennis, the call-up represents another chance to showcase the country’s emerging talent and sustain efforts to build a stronger foundation for future success.
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