US-based tennis player Christopher Bolus is brimming with excitement as he represents Ogun State at the 2025 National Sports Festival, expressing pride in donning the state’s colors and a determined focus on securing gold across multiple tennis categories.
In an exclusive chat with Sports247 after at the Tennis Court on Thursday, the bare his mind on how his background and the pressure of returning home to help Ogun State win medals in Tennis.
“I play for Nigeria, I grew up in Lagos, but I went to school in the States,”
Bolus shared after securing a hard-fought victory in his opening match. “It’s an honor to represent a whole state. We are looking to win gold, and coming from a foreign land, it’s a great feeling returning to Ogun State.”
Currently seeded number one in the tournament, Bolus advanced to the next round and emphasized the importance of his performance not just for himself but for Ogun State’s medal hopes.
“This victory is very important for the state to show that we are on the winning track for the medal,” he stated confidently.
Bolus is competing in all categories of the tennis event—singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team events—showcasing his versatility and commitment to helping Ogun State dominate the sport.
On the expectations and pressure that come with being the top seed, Bolus acknowledged the weight but welcomed the challenge.
“Honestly, I’m the number one seed, so I’m expecting to win. I want to win. It’s my first National Sports Festival, so it’s big that I’m playing for the whole state,” he said.
“Ogun is really close to Lagos where I grew up, so we’re excited. I’m looking forward to the gold medals.”
When asked about the level of competition at the tournament, he noted the narrow margins that separate the athletes.
“Everybody plays almost the same level that I play over there [in the U.S.],” he explained. “The only difference is I probably compete in more matches than they do. So level-wise, it’s similar.”
Reflecting on his hard-fought early-round match, Bolus remained humble and focused on the bigger picture.
“Honestly, these matches are very good for me in the early stage of the tournament. The scoreline doesn’t really matter. I think the opponent is a very good player also,” he admitted.
“But I just want to be the one that at the end of the day, is the winner. That’s all that matters.”
As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on Bolus as he pushes forward in his quest to deliver gold for Ogun State.
