Ogundeyi Temitope, a student specializing in Sports Management at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), recently celebrated completing her final exams on a high note.
Speaking with Sports247, she shared her elation and reflected on her experience at NIS.
“I am so excited right now, I am very happy that I can’t say it all,” Temitope began. Her enthusiasm for her NIS journey was palpable. “My NIS experience has been nice. I met a lot of people as I was the only female in my class.”
Despite being the sole female student in her class, Temitope found her time at NIS to be enjoyable and filled with positive experiences. This reflects not only her determination but also her commitment to pursuing her passion for sports management.
Post-NIS, Temitope has exciting plans to return to her career in tennis, which she pursues professionally. She has been dedicated to tennis since 2006 and remains active in the sport. Her tennis journey has seen her participate in major tournaments, and she once held the impressive title of Nigeria’s number 18 in the sport.
However, motherhood necessitated a brief hiatus from competitive play. “When I gave birth, I had to relax for 2 years before I resumed playing,” Temitope explained. “I got back to the courts but had to start all over, and it has not been quite easy for me. You know it is not easy to get back to training when you break, and then younger athletes are coming up, and age is also a factor.”
Despite these challenges, Temitope acknowledged that passion and determination are driving forces that keep athletes going, regardless of age or other obstacles. “You know, training, coupled with work and study, is not easy at all. So training has not been constant. But now that I’m done, I can focus on getting back to proper training and start preparing for a tournament.”
In a message to young people interested in sports, particularly tennis, Temitope warmly encouraged them to explore the beauty of the game. “Tennis is a lovely game that one would love to play.
I would just encourage young people to try and see the beautiful part of tennis. They should come around and have an experience of coaching or management courses in NIS and get certified.”
Temitope’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Her return to tennis is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport she loves, and her experience at NIS has only added to her impressive journey.
