Young tennis players from across Oyo State delivered standout performances as the maiden Oyo Closed Junior Boys and Girls Tennis Tournament concluded in Ibadan, with champions emerging in the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 categories.
The three-day competition, held from February 27 to March 1, provided a platform for budding talents to test their skills and compete for honours in a highly competitive atmosphere.
In the Under-12 girls category, Faboyinde Pelumi produced a commanding display to defeat Babalola Venus 4-1, 4-0 in the final. On her way to the title, she recorded victories over Akpan Mercy, Akpan Agnes and Adejare Anjola.
The Under-12 boys title went to Uthman Muili, who edged Isaac Blue 5-4, 4-0 in the final after earlier dispatching Razaq Muhammed, Elegbede Emmanuel and Adeyemi Tomiwa.
Blessing Babalola dominated the Under-14 girls final, defeating Akinmisi Semilore 4-0, 4-0 to claim the crown. She had previously knocked out Rukayat Abdulsalam and Adebisi Peace.
The Under-14 boys final produced one of the most intense contests of the tournament, with Ghazal Ashim overcoming Robert Precious 7-4, 4-2, 10-8 despite requiring treatment during the match. Ashim had earlier eliminated Babalola Best and Ibrahim Khalid.
In the Under-16 boys category, Adeshina Alaba was crowned champion after defeating Awe David in the final, having progressed with wins over John Israel, Awe David and Blue Samuel.
Winners and runners-up were presented with prizes including tennis rackets, balls, boots, bags and cash rewards.
The tournament was organised by former Nigeria number one tennis player Abdul-Mumin Babalola as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots tennis development in the state.
Speaking with Boluwaji Ogunmola after the event, Babalola said the competition was driven by his desire to give back to the community where his career began.
“I grew up here in Ibadan. It is a way of giving back to my people, to support them and encourage them. To become a champion is not a day’s job — you just give them hope and they can become somebody tomorrow,” he said.
Babalola, a former world top 500 player and long-time national number one in singles and doubles, acknowledged the economic challenges facing sports development but insisted that determination remains key.
“With the present situation of the country, things are very difficult in terms of inflation. But no matter how hard it is, when you set a goal, you have to pursue it,” he said. “No matter how tough it is, I just have to do something. I want to make a difference in things that have not happened before in Oyo State.”
He also urged the young players to remain disciplined both on and off the court.
“In life, nothing is easy. Keep your head up — you know where you’re coming from and you know where you’re going. Have self-discipline, go to school, study well, play tennis and stay away from drugs.”
The successful conclusion of the maiden edition has raised expectations for an expanded second edition as stakeholders look to build on the momentum generated by the competition.
