In a significant event for Nigerian tennis, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has officially declared the 2024 Davis Cup Africa Group III qualifiers open in Abuja.
During his address, the minister stressed the importance of tennis in Nigeria, highlighting the nation’s history of producing top tennis players and the passionate support the sport receives from its citizens.
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Senator Enoh pointed out the opportunity that the Davis Cup Africa event presents for Nigeria to secure promotion to the Euro Africa Group II.
“I urge the athletes to seize this opportunity with both hands. I am rooting for Nigerian athletes to secure promotion to the next stage.
The country is behind them, and we are hosting to win,” he stated, expressing his confidence in the Nigerian team.
He also assured the six participating countries of a warm welcome and a successful tournament, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to hospitality and sportsmanship.
Earlier in the ceremony, the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Dayo Akindoju, welcomed all participants to Nigeria.
He assured them of the country’s hospitality and commended the minister for his dedication to attending the opening ceremony, underscoring its significance for the sport.
The event was also graced by the presence of Sani Ndanusa, the former President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation.
Ndanusa encouraged the athletes to strive for the promotion spot and praised their performances thus far.
“I am highly impressed with what I have seen so far. I believe Nigeria can come out on top, but the players must work hard and not take anything for granted,” he concluded.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of what promises to be a competitive and exciting tournament, with high hopes for the Nigerian team to advance and further elevate the nation’s standing in international tennis.
