Lagos Gov’s Tennis Cup: Akpoborie wants exposure for Nigerian players

Former Nigerian international, Jonathan Akpoborie has said Nigerian tennis players need exposure to regular international tournaments to realise their dreams.

Akpoborie who was among the spectators on Tuesday who witnessed actions at the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, made the submission adding that Nigeria are blessed with a lot of young potential who can attain stardom if given the necessary encouragement and support.

The ex-Hansa Rostock, Vfb Stuttgart, FC Saarbrucken and Wolfsburg of Germany striker, who was in the company of his coach in tennis, Kayode Savage, expressed joy at seeing a tournament like the Governor’s Cup in Lagos state.

“Just like in football, tennis players need regular exposure to major tournaments. There is no big deal about these foreign players, if our players can be exposed to the same environment like them, Nigerian players too can be great.

“This is the imbalance we must as a people correct. Since a year ago I have been training in tennis and from my interactions with the players I could frankly tell you that these boys and girls have the potentialities to become world beaters only that the environment is not conducive.

“If we can have as many international tournaments as possible in Nigeria the better for us. The likes of Thomas Otu, Umeh Joseph and others are to watch out for among the Nigerian players in this championship,” the former Julius Berger FC player said.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 1992 bronze winner and 2000 AFCON silver winner stated that he is also passionate about tennis.

“To me, I have the passion for tennis apart from football, a reason I was here to watch proceedings at the Governor’s Cup.”

The organisation and the environment of the club are quite good. I could only commend the organisers for putting this show together,” said Akpoborie, winner of the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup.