Nigerian Players Are Wonderful

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One of Nigeria’s professional tennis players, Sunday Igbinovia told DAMILARE OKUNOLA that the local players in the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship are wonderful with their performance despite not being as experienced as their foreign counterparts

How has it been playing tennis for quite some time now?

Well, I started about 25years ago and it has been good for me. At least, I’ve played in a lot of local and international circuits. I’m ageing now and that’s why I’ve been trying to see how I can set up a tennis academy here at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club that will bring young ones into limelight.

Over the years, did you encounter any challenges?

That’s almost for sure though the major one was that of sponsorship and I also did not have a mentor until I met Dr. Bukola Saraki, Mr. Lere Awokoya and some other members of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan. They were the ones who encouraged me at the latter stage of my career.

Which of the circuits that you participated in will go down as your most memorable?

It was when I went to England in 2004. I played in the Middlesex Open and won the Men’s Doubles with Gabriel Otu, one of our top players then. I also played in the semis of the Men’s Singles at the same tournament. In Nigeria, however, I won several Milo Masters which was always played by the top 16 in the country and the All Nigeria Open called Gulder; these tourneys are no longer in existence.

What’s your take on the declining rate of tennis in Nigeria?

It’s a big blow and a shame that we don’t have enough tournaments. In those days, we were dedicated to tennis. Today, players don’t get to play tennis as often as they ought to and it’s not good for their development. The federation has been trying but they need sponsors to help them attend tourneys outside country; that’s one of the reasons I’ve been trying to set up an academy to have a developmental programme where we can groom young talents.

Your younger brother, Jonathan seems to be more in the limelight than you are.

I trained Jonathan and I’m proud of where he is today. You know, you have to train someone who will be greater than you, and that was why I trained him. Luckily for him, he had sponsors as a junior player and the rest is history. He’s currently in Atlanta, Georgia where he plays tennis and he also has an academy for the young ones.

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How would you rate Nigerian players at this year’s Governor’s Cup Championship?

You have to look at these guys and marvel at their performance without having played many tournaments. Babalola, Atseye, Adamu impressed me but they only need more exposure.

What was growing up like?

I grew up in Lagos though I’m from Edo State. I grew up with a Yoruba orientation, born and bred here in Lagos. I started off as a ball boy here at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan where some members gave us some tips and the hustling continued though our parents did not really like it.

Your favourite tennis player?

Roger Federer because I believe we play the same way.

Would you allow any of your children to play tennis?

I already have a boy who’s playing; Wilson Igbinovia, very soon, he’ll become a national champion.

What do you want to be remembered for in Nigerian Tennis?

My contributions to the growth of the game especially through the academy which I’ll set up with Jonathan. It’ll be known as the OVIA Tennis Academy.

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