Nigerian youngster, Amasiani Chukwudubem, has described the 2026 ITF J30 World Tennis Tour in Abuja as a very big progress for the sport in Nigeria.
Chukwudubem said in a chat with Sports247 that the competition afforded him and other young Nigerian players the opportunity to test their abilities against foreign players of high international standards.
He added, “It’s a major international tournament that is regarded as a top tennis event for juniors. It helps in exposing us to high international standards.
“It also helps us with our exposure to professional tennis. That’s because it’s a major stepping stone to the senior ranks.
“There are other levels of the ITF junior events … like J60, J100, and others that are higher. After all these junior stages, we will progress to the ATP challenges, which are at the senior level.”
He then spoke about what he gained personally from participating in the J30 competition in Abuja and what hosting the event ultimately means for the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
Chukwudubem posited, “My experience here has shown me that there are things I need to work on, but I feel like I’m growing stronger in the game.
“My progress has been really effective, and I’m getting better as a player. I played five games in total and won three of them.
“Generally, though, the major challenge we are facing in Nigeria is that we need to be supported more by the federation. All the same, being here is a progress for us and for Nigeria. It’s a very big progress for our tennis.”
