Nigeria tennis coach Benson Ishicheli has appealed to sports authorities, the tennis federation and private investors to increase international exposure for Nigerian players, warning that limited competitive opportunities are stalling their development.
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Speaking on the challenges facing the country’s tennis players, Ishicheli noted that a lack of regular tournaments leaves athletes underprepared when they face opponents who compete consistently on the global circuit.
“Our players are not getting enough exposure,” Ischicheli said. “When you only play one international competition in a year, it affects match sharpness and confidence.”
The coach cited Nigeria’s recent experience in international team competitions, explaining that opponents often arrive battle-ready, having played several tournaments in the build-up, while Nigerian players struggle to find competitive rhythm.
“We faced players who had been active all year. Some of them came straight from international tournaments, while our players were just coming out of training,” he added. “That difference shows on the court.”
Ishicheli stressed that consistent participation in international events is essential for growth, ranking improvement and mental toughness, urging stakeholders to invest in structured exposure programmes.
“Without regular competition, our players will always be playing catch-up,” he warned. “If we truly want to compete with the best, we must give our players the chance to play more, travel more and test themselves against stronger opponents.”
He concluded by calling for partnerships with sponsors and private investors to support international tours, describing exposure as “non-negotiable” for Nigeria’s long-term success in tennis.
