Over 200 Young Players Participate in 2025 Tswako Foundation Tennis Clinic and Tournament in Abuja

Over 200 young tennis enthusiasts from across the country converged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for the 2025 edition of the Tswako Foundation Junior Tennis Clinic and Tournament.

The three-day event, held in collaboration with the FCT Tennis Association, featured a two-day intensive clinic from June 26 to 27, culminating in a highly competitive tournament on Saturday, June 28.

Coach Sunday Samuel, Head Coach of the FCT Tennis Association, lauded the initiative as a platform for nurturing young talent and giving back to the community.

“Sadiq Tswako, founder of the Tswako Foundation, started playing tennis here at the stadium. He earned a scholarship to the U.S. through the sport, and this is his way of giving back,” said Samuel.

He revealed that the event attracted over 200 boys and girls who, beyond gaining technical knowledge of the sport, also received tennis gear including rackets, balls, shoes, and strings.

“We initially planned for four categories but had to increase it to nine due to the overwhelming turnout,” he added.

The clinic featured age categories ranging from U-10 to U-18 for both boys and girls.

Founder of the foundation, Coach Sadiq Tswako, emphasized the programme’s goal of supporting grassroots tennis and inspiring future champions.

“No matter where I am, I always remember I’m a Nigerian. I started right on this court as a ball kid with limited access to proper gear. Now, I want to give young players the opportunities I didn’t have,” Tswako said.

According to him, the foundation has been running the programme for the past eight years, steadily growing from a small gathering at Abuja Country Club to a regional event, and now expanding nationally.

“We’ve received support from friends, family, and donors in the U.S., but our goal is to attract local sponsorships and partnerships to scale this into a nationwide programme,” he added.

American tennis coach, Natasha Sauerborn, who was part of the three-member team from New York supporting the event, praised the Nigerian kids’ raw talent and determination.

“These kids are amazing. With more coaching and access to quality equipment, they can compete on any global stage,” said Sauerborn.

She expressed her commitment to continue working with the foundation to empower young players and support future events.

The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Engr. Dayo Akindoju, also attended the event and commended the foundation for its vision.

“This is a commendable effort. We urge more former players and stakeholders to invest in the future of Nigerian tennis,” Akindoju said.

🏆 Final Results – 2025 FCT Tswako Foundation Junior Tennis Tournament
Boys U-10:
Elvis Godwin def. Bright Alex – 10/5 (tie-break)

Girls U-10:
Mary Felix def. Miracle Azi – 10/1 (tie-break)

Boys U-12:
Yakubu Miracle def. Emmanuel Bebe – 4/0, 4/2

Girls U-12:
Charity Felix def. Ivana Abu – 0/4, 5/3, 10/6

Boys U-14:
Ridwan Sadiq def. Onche Wisdom

Girls U-14:
Salvation Alex def. Blessing Peter

Boys U-16:
Chukwudubem Amasiani def. Mohammed Amir – 4/2, 4/2

Girls U-16:
Tolu Agunbiade def. Favour Godwin – 4/1, 4/2

Boys U-18:
Musa Mamud def. Yahuza Bello – 4/1, 4/0

With plans to take the clinic to Niger and Lagos States later this year, the Tswako Foundation aims to build on the momentum and continue developing grassroots tennis in Nigeria.

“Every child is a potential champion,” said Sauerborn. “And I believe I may have coached one of Nigeria’s future stars right here.”