The Vice-President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Malam Yusuf Datti, has called on governments, corporate organisations, sports administrators, coaches, parents and other stakeholders to support the federation’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning tennis in Nigeria.

SolaceBase reports that Datti made the call on Thursday while delivering a speech as the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the Dr Agbu Kefas North-East Zonal U.12, U.14 and U.17 Junior Tennis Championship in Jalingo, Taraba State.

He said meaningful progress in Nigerian tennis would only be achieved through collective, strategic and sustained efforts by all stakeholders.

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“I therefore wish to use this occasion to call on all relevant stakeholders—government institutions, sports administrators, corporate organisations, philanthropic bodies, coaches, parents and the wider tennis community—to align themselves with the ongoing reform and development agenda of the Nigeria Tennis Federation.

“If tennis in Nigeria is to attain its rightful place among the leading sporting nations, then our efforts must be collective, strategic and sustained,” Datti said.

The NTF vice-president described the championship as a strategic investment in the future of the sport, saying grassroots competitions remain essential for discovering and nurturing young talents.

According to him, the tournament reflects the vision of the current NTF board, led by its president, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, to establish a sustainable and data-driven foundation for the development of tennis across the country.

He commended the efforts of Chief Barr. G. T. Kataps and other organisers of the competition, as well as the Taraba State Government for supporting youth and sports development.

Datti also highlighted the federation’s recent achievements on the international stage, noting that Nigeria had secured promotion to Davis Cup Group II after defeating Uzbekistan 3–1 in the Davis Cup Group II play-offs earlier this year.

He added that the country’s women’s team also made history by beating Botswana 2–1 to earn promotion to the Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Group II for the first time.

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“These accomplishments are not only worthy of celebration; they are clear evidence that Nigerian tennis is on the path to resurgence,” he said.

“They remind us that when vision is matched with discipline, preparation and unwavering support, progress becomes inevitable.”

Addressing the young players, Datti congratulated them for their discipline, resilience and commitment throughout the championship, urging them to remain focused and continue working hard regardless of the outcome of the competition.

He also praised coaches, referees, tournament officials and organisers for their dedication, describing their contributions as invaluable to the development of future generations of Nigerian tennis players.

Datti expressed optimism about the future of the sport, saying sustained collaboration would help rebuild tennis in Nigeria and create more opportunities for young athletes.

He congratulated the organisers on the successful maiden edition of the championship and expressed hope that it would become an enduring platform for discovering and developing future champions.

Earlier, he was part of an NTF delegation that paid a courtesy visit to Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, at the TY Danjuma House alongside the federation’s Board Members representing the North Central and North East zones, as well as the NTF Secretary.