In a bid to improve tennis development and standards in Nigeria, the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has successfully completed a week-long International Tennis Federation (ITF) National Level 1 Coaching Course, certifying 40 new tennis coaches. The closing ceremony for the course, which ran from April 14 to April 18, was held at the National Tennis Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The certified coaches, who were drawn from all six geopolitical zones of the country, have completed a comprehensive training program designed to equip them with modern coaching methodologies and technical skills necessary to guide the next generation of tennis players.
The NTF Technical Director, Rotimi Akinloye, who also served as one of the course instructors, emphasized the importance of the course in ensuring that coaches are equipped with global best practices in coaching. According to Akinloye, the training aimed to improve the quality of tennis coaching in the country and to provide the tools needed for coaches to inspire and effectively teach young players.
He expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian tennis, stating, “Coaches play a crucial role in shaping the careers of tennis players, and their words can either inspire or discourage players. Thus, the training programme focused on equipping our coaches with global best practices and modern teaching techniques to enhance player development. It was also encouraging to see that the participants are young and knowledgeable about the game, indicating a promising future for Nigerian tennis.”
In addition to focusing on enhancing coaching techniques, the NTF also emphasized the impact of the program on grassroots tennis development. Shammah Makpa, the NTF Secretary, underscored that this training initiative would contribute significantly to the growth of tennis in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots level. By empowering coaches with up-to-date skills, the program will help improve player development, and in turn, raise the overall standard of tennis in the country.
Makpa also noted that the program would positively affect local and international competitions. “By equipping coaches with modern teaching methodologies, the programme can contribute to the development of skilled and competitive tennis players in Nigeria. It will also go a long way to help promote the growth of tennis at the grassroots, potentially leading to increased participation and success in local and international competitions,” he said.
He also highlighted that under the leadership of Ifedayo Akindoju, the NTF President, the Federation would continue to focus on developmental programs aimed at elevating the country’s standing in international tennis.
Participants of the training expressed their appreciation for the depth and practicality of the coaching content covered. Chukwunonso Nwabueze, one of the trainees and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association, shared his positive experience, stating that the program provided an enriching overview of essential aspects of tennis coaching. Nwabueze mentioned that the course had focused on developing a strong foundation for beginner and intermediate players, including critical skills such as ball feeding, approach shots, serve and volley—techniques that would be crucial in enhancing the skills of young athletes.
Nwabueze explained his reasons for participating in the course, saying, “I joined the training for capacity building and development, to enhance my skills and knowledge of the game. This course has helped broaden my understanding of the technical aspects of coaching, which I intend to apply in my work.”
Rebecca Ekpeyong, another participant from Port Harcourt, also praised the program for its professional development focus. She noted, “The training demonstrates a commitment to staying up-to-date with best practices in tennis coaching. The program equipped us with the skills necessary to effectively coach tennis players. By learning modern coaching techniques, participants like me can contribute to the development of skilled and competitive tennis players in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Bolaji Bankole, a participant from Lagos, commended the NTF for organizing such a vital course. He pledged to apply the knowledge gained from the program to the development of young tennis talents across the country.
The NTF’s commitment to advancing tennis in Nigeria through structured training initiatives like this is in line with the Federation’s broader goal of improving the quality of sports across the nation. The federation aims to provide quality training for coaches, players, and other key stakeholders, ensuring that tennis has a strong foundation for growth at all levels. By targeting the development of grassroots tennis programs and certifying more qualified coaches, the NTF is positioning itself to raise the standard of tennis in Nigeria and to produce world-class athletes who can compete successfully on the global stage.
With the successful certification of these 40 coaches, the NTF is taking a significant step towards ensuring that Nigerian tennis continues to evolve and produce top-tier players. Through continued investment in the training of coaches and development of young talent, Nigeria is poised for future success in the world of tennis.
The completion of the ITF National Level 1 Tennis Coaching Course marks an important milestone for Nigerian tennis. As the country looks to strengthen its tennis program, the NTF’s investment in coach education is critical. With these 40 newly certified coaches set to inspire and train the next generation of tennis stars, the future of tennis in Nigeria looks brighter than ever. By continuing to provide opportunities for professional development and access to modern coaching techniques, the NTF is setting the stage for the next wave of successful players to rise from Nigeria’s courts.
