Chukwudubem Amasiani showcased an exceptional display of talent and skill as he dominated the NNPC/SNEPCo Invitational Tennis Masters held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State over the weekend.
The young prodigy from Abuja, just 12 years of age, triumphed in both the Boys’ 12 and Boys’ 14 categories, making an indelible mark on the tournament.
In a thrilling Boys’ 14 final, Amasiani took on the formidable top seed, Gbolahan Olawale from Ondo State. Seizing the opportunity to compete against older opponents, Amasiani emerged victorious in a closely contested match, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 12-10, 10-5.
Undeterred by the challenges he faced, Amasiani continued his impressive run by claiming the Boys’ 12 title. His opponent in the final was Joel Michael from Lagos, but Amasiani’s superior skills and determination proved too much for his adversary. With a composed performance, he triumphed over Michael, winning with a score of 10-4, 10-6.
The Girls’ 12 and under category saw a dominant performance by Mofifunoluwa Atilola from Lagos. Throughout the tournament, Atilola showcased her exceptional talent and did not drop a single set. Her opponents were left in awe as she effortlessly claimed victory. In the final, Atilola faced off against Favour Okon-James from Akwa Ibom, defeating her with a score of 10-5, 10-5. Atilola’s remarkable serve proved to be a mesmerizing weapon against her opponents.
In the Girls’ 14 category, it was Gloria Samuel from Ekiti who emerged as the champion. Displaying her prowess on the court, Samuel delivered an outstanding performance against Fego Ayetuoma from Port Harcourt. With a remarkable display of skill, Samuel secured victory with a score of 12-10, 10-2.
The NNPC/SNEPCo Invitational Tennis Masters showcased the finest young talents in the country and aimed to promote the growth of tennis in Bayelsa State. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports and an Olympic gold medalist, expressed his appreciation for the tournament and emphasized the importance of developing tennis within the state.
Igali acknowledged the sponsors, Shell and the NNPC, represented by Chief Ucheoma Amaechi and Osinachi Nwosu respectively, and encouraged them to continue their support and potentially elevate the sponsorship to new heights. Impressed by the exceptional skills exhibited by the young participants, Igali recognized their potential to become world-class players.
The grand finale of the tournament featured a special two-hour basic tennis coaching program, organized by the International Tennis Academy (ITA), which benefitted around 200 school children. This initiative aimed to nurture young talent and foster a passion for the sport among the next generation.
Chukwudubem Amasiani’s outstanding performance and the remarkable displays by other talented players have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the NNPC/SNEPCo Invitational Tennis Masters, further igniting the passion for tennis in Bayelsa State and signaling a bright future for Nigerian tennis.
