A youngster from Benue State, Apev David Terungwa has expressed delight and excitement that he is witnessing the 2026 ITF World Junior Tennis Tour in Abuja.
The ambitious lad told Sports247 that, though he is not playing in the competition tagged ‘J30,’ he is happy seeing how young Nigerian players are taking on foreigners who are in the FCT for the competition.
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He also disclosed that the competition has given him renewed zeal and confidence that he will be able to make his mark globally as a tennis player in the future.
Terungwa added, “I am a tennis player from Benue State, but I’m now based in Abuja. I like tennis because it can help someone go far in life.
“Apart from tennis, I don’t see any other individual sport that can help you go far in Nigeria. It also helps me travel from one state to another and play in different competitions.”
He, however, admitted that tennis is not receiving adequate funding in Nigeria, which he believes is a factor that continues slowing down the efforts of people who are working hard to promote the sport.
The ‘Benue Boy’ further stated, “Unfortunately, tennis is not getting the right funding in Nigeria, and it’s not easy for us to get sponsors. Tennis is supposed to be a big sport with many sponsors, but we are not getting them as easily as we should.
“All the same, I am happy that we are getting some tournaments to play here in Nigeria. So, I say thanks to the people who are organising the tournaments.
“I like the way this one is going and that our players from Nigeria are doing well. I am also happy that they invited players from other countries to play this competition.”
Terungwa concluded by confessing that he would have loved to play in the competition, but disclosed that he usually feels psychologically down knowing that he has only one racquet and a single pair of tennis shoes.
“I like the way our players are performing, and they are really playing well. I wish that I am playing in this tournament; but the major challenge I am facing is with my racquet, canvas and kits.
“Once you don’t have canvas and racquet, you won’t be able to do your best, because you will be thinking about it all the time.
“You will keep on worrying about how you can cope with only one canvas, and it will soon get spoilt. You will think about how you will play if the only racquet you have gets broken.
“That’s a real challenge for me, but I thank God that He is helping me and I still doing the best that I can to continue playing this game that I love very much,” Terungwa submitted.
