Lagos witnessed the emergence of a promising young tennis prodigy as Dubem Amasiani claimed victory in both the Boys 12s and 14s categories at the Sapetro Futures Tennis Championship.
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Held at the esteemed Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, the event showcased singles competitions for boys and girls across age groups 12s, 14s, and 16s.
Amasiani’s exceptional performance not only secured his titles but also fueled aspirations for a future world-class tennis star to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
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Guided by his mother, Judith, the 12-year-old sensation showcased his prowess by triumphing over his younger brother, Ikem, with a commanding 9-1 victory in the Boys 12s category.
In the Boys 14s, Dubem Amasiani outmatched former 14 and under champion Onyekachi Ogumjiofor from Oyo State with a 9-4 triumph. Amasiani’s recent achievements mirrored his success in Bayelsa State, where he clinched both the Boys 12s and 14s titles at the SNEPCo Junior Invitational Masters just three weeks earlier.
Director of the International Tennis Academy (ITA) and organizer of the ITA Junior Circuit, Godwin Kienka, hailed Amasiani’s potential, likening him to other rising stars in the tennis world like Alcaraz. Kienka expressed optimism that with the right guidance and support, Amasiani could ascend to the highest echelons of the sport.
The significance of Amasiani’s victory became even more apparent as Gbolahan Olawale, whom he defeated in the Boys’ 14 category in Yenagoa, advanced to the Boys’ 16 category in this championship and triumphed over defending Boys’ 16 champion Henry Aina in the final.
The level of play demonstrated by these young athletes caught the attention of former national champions, including international coach Gabriel Out, who noted that the current junior players exhibit superior skills and intelligence compared to players from previous generations.
The weeklong tournament crowned additional victors, including Logolay Holzendoff from Benin City, who secured the Girls’ 14s title by defeating Gloria Samuel from Ekiti with a score of 9-4. In the Girls’ 12s singles, Mufu Atilola emerged victorious once again, prevailing over her rival Roseline Nana with a score of 9-5.
The grand finale of the championship saw the presence of esteemed former national champions, who marveled at the skill and intelligence displayed by the junior players.
This younger generation is paving the way for a new era of Nigerian tennis, capturing the attention of those who have witnessed the evolution of the sport over the years.
