No fewer than 40 coaches have successfully completed a week-long ITF National Level 1 Tennis Coaching Course, organised by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) in Abuja. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, participants drawn from all six geopolitical zones of the country were awarded certificates at a closing ceremony held on Wednesday.
The coaching programme, which commenced on April 14, concluded on Wednesday at the National Tennis Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
NTF Technical Director and course instructor Rotimi Akinloye emphasized the importance of the 10-day training initiative. He noted that the programme represents a significant step toward the future development of tennis in Nigeria, as it introduced young coaches to modern teaching methodologies and technical expertise needed to nurture emerging talent.
“Coaches are vital to the development of tennis players, as their guidance can either motivate or demoralize athletes,” Akinloye said. “This programme was designed to provide our coaches with global best practices and contemporary teaching strategies to better support player development. It was also heartening to see that most of the participants were young and already quite knowledgeable, which bodes well for the sport’s future in Nigeria.”
NTF Secretary Shammah Makpa also underscored the importance of the training, saying it was a strategic effort to raise the standard of tennis coaching across the country. Makpa noted that empowering coaches with up-to-date methodologies would not only improve player performance but also promote the game at the grassroots level, eventually leading to stronger performances in both local and international competitions.
“This initiative can help grow tennis participation and competitiveness in Nigeria,” Makpa said. “Under the leadership of NTF President Ifedayo Akindoju, the Federation remains committed to advancing the sport through targeted developmental programmes.”
Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative. Chukwunonso Nwabueze, who is also the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association, praised the training for its comprehensive curriculum. He said the course covered key areas such as ball feeding, approach shots, serve-and-volley techniques, and strategies for coaching both beginner and intermediate players.
Nwabueze said he joined the programme to strengthen his skills and deepen his understanding of tennis as part of his professional development.
Another participant, Rebecca Ekpeyong from Port Harcourt, said the training reflects a strong commitment to the professional growth of tennis coaches. She noted that staying up to date with modern coaching practices would enable coaches to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the sport in Nigeria.
“The course provided us with the skills and knowledge to train competitive tennis players effectively,” she said.
Bolaji Bankole, a participant from Lagos, commended the NTF for organizing the training and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to benefit Nigerian tennis.
