15th May, 2012
President of Nigerian Tennis Federation, NTF, Engr. Sani Ndanusa has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and other corporate bodies in the country to come to the aid of wheelchair tennis in terms of sponsorship.
Ndanusa, who said this at the closing ceremony of the 34th CBN Open last weekend in Lagos, opined that wheelchair tennis has gained much prominence in the country within a short period. But he regretted that sponsorship has been the bane of the sport for years.
He said: “This year’s championship has ended again and it was another fantastic performance from the players. CBN has been fantastic with the sponsorship for the thirty-fourth year in a row now, and we can only give kudos to them for a job well done.”
“However, the Federation is calling on them to come to the aid of wheelchair tennis in the country to further develop the sport. Wheelchair tennis has gained prominence in the country and I think it should be given the required recognition and support” Ndanusa concluded.
Meanwhile, NTF Scribe, Mbora Ikana hailed this year’s participants for putting up a good show throughout, reserving a special praise for Clifford Enosoregbe and Sarah Adegoke, who shone like millions stars only to lose in the final to her vastly experienced counterpart; Abinu Fatimah.
Mbora said despite the fact that Sarah played from the qualifiers, she did well to stake a place at the final of the singles event.
—Damilare Okunola