The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has praised the high level of competition and emerging talents showcased at the 2026 ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 Abuja Championship, which concluded at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday.
Key Highlights:
- Shehu Dikko praised talents at the J30 Abuja tennis event.
- Success Ogunjobi won girls’ singles.
- Hengzhi Cui won boys’ singles.
- The tournament featured players from several countries.
- NSC pledged support for young tennis talents.
In a statement issued by the NSC media on Monday, Dikko, represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Legal and Strategy, Barrister Musa Amadu, commended participants, coaches, officials, sponsors and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the tournament.
The championship attracted promising junior players from Nigeria, China, India, the United States, France, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Liberia and several other countries, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for international junior tennis development.
Dikko reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to grassroots sports development, stressing that competitions such as the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors provide young athletes with critical opportunities to gain exposure, earn international ranking points and build experience against top opposition.
One of the major highlights of the tournament was the dominant performance of Nigeria’s Success Ogunjobi, who defeated compatriot Khadijat Eleojo Mohammed 6-2, 6-1 to win the girls’ singles title.
The victory saw Ogunjobi complete a clean sweep of both legs of the J30 Abuja tournament, underlining her status as one of the country’s brightest junior tennis prospects.
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The NSC Chairman also congratulated China’s Hengzhi Cui, who emerged champion in the boys’ singles event after defeating Nigeria’s Gbolahan Olawale 6-1, 7-6(8) in a highly competitive final.
“The performances of both finalists reflected the quality and competitiveness of the tournament,” Dikko said.
In the doubles category, China’s Jinxuan Cheng and Hengzhi Cui recovered from a set down to defeat Nigeria’s Elisha Ishaku Kwange and Gbolahan Olawale 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 to claim the boys’ doubles title.
The girls’ doubles crown went to top seeds Khadijat Mohammed of Nigeria and Jessica Togbe of France, who overcame Success Ogunjobi and Sri Lanka’s V.D. Rashmi Oma Wijewardana 6-3, 7-6(5) in the final.
According to Dikko, hosting more ITF-sanctioned tournaments in Nigeria remains vital to the growth of the sport, as it enables local players to accumulate ranking points and gain international experience without the significant costs associated with overseas travel.
“Competitions like the J30 Abuja Championship are critical to the development of our young athletes. They provide access to ranking opportunities, expose players to international standards and create pathways to professional careers. The National Sports Commission remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand these opportunities for Nigerian athletes,” he stated.
The NSC Chairman also highlighted the recent exploits of Nigerian junior tennis star Seun Ogunsakin, who reached the final qualifying round of the Junior French Open and has registered for the Junior Wimbledon qualifying event.
He described Ogunsakin’s progress as evidence that Nigerian athletes can compete successfully on the global stage when provided with the right support and opportunities.
The Commission expressed appreciation to the International Tennis Federation, the Nigeria Tennis Federation, tournament organisers, coaches, officials, parents and sponsors, particularly NASCO Foods, for their contributions to the successful staging of the championship.
Dikko reiterated the NSC’s commitment to grassroots talent identification, athlete development, strategic partnerships and the expansion of competitive opportunities across various sports, while congratulating all winners and participants for their dedication, sportsmanship and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that Nigerian tennis will continue to grow and achieve greater success on the international stage.
