The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Tennis League has been officially inaugurated.
The colourful event, which was held at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC), Onikan, had several dignitaries in attendance, including the acting Director General, Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut; President, Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Sani Ndanusa; President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, among other top government functionaries.
Nigeria’s football legend, Austin Okocha, was also present to play an exhibition match against Kehinde Oladipo of the NCC as the 30-week league kicks off at various centres across the country.
Another exhibition match pitting the South against the North also saw Nonso Madueke, representing the South, beat his Northern counterpart, Christian Paul 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 in an entertaining encounter.
The eight teams to vie for the N5 million prize include: Team Anambra, Team Kalotari, Team Ogun, CBN Futures, Team Tombim, Civil Defence, Team Delta and Team FCT.
The players will compete in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Reversed Singles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles events during each weekend of tennis action.
One of the umpires to handle matches in the league confided in TheNiche that the new league is an innovation, explaining that apart from the fact that it keeps the players busy and fit, it also serves the purpose of job creation.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the umpire noted: “I really appreciate those who came up with this league and the sponsors as well.
“We do not get to officiate many tournaments in the country these days, but with this new league, we are assured of 30 weeks of continuous engagement, which is really commendable.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has made this happen; it’s really a new dawn for tennis in the country. Our sincere prayer and hope is that it continues this way.”
Meanwhile, all the players involved in the league have expressed their readiness to take up their opponents, as they believe the tournament will definitely increase their fitness level on the courts.