'THE CHANCES ARE VERY SLIM': NIGERIAN COACH REVEALS AFRICAN TENNIS' CHALLENGES

(Credit: Getty Images/Leo Patrizi)

Time and again, tennis continues to demonstrate what a truly global game it is. Players from all around the world have emerged onto the respective professional circuits with dreams and aspirations of making a career from the game they love.

Tennis has also afforded opportunities for players to study abroad, with US Colleges being a major drawcard. It offers players a chance to travel, explore countries they would never have usually thought of visiting and make connections with the broader tennis community.

As tennis is such a global game, it has also provided opportunities for coaches. It might be a young coach looking for experience, a coach on a working holiday, a career coach looking for a chance or a coach looking for a better lifestyle for their family. 

An example of this is Ayodeji Omidara, a Nigerian coach who has recently relocated to Australia. An excellent player with a genuine love for the game, Ayodeji moved to Australia to continue his coaching career and provide opportunities for his young family.

The First Serve (TFS) recently sat down with Ayodeji Omidara (AO) to get an insight into tennis in the African nation.

TFS: What was tennis like in Nigeria when you were growing up?

AO: Tennis in Nigeria was not the same as in other African countries. We trained almost every day but only had around 3 major tournaments for the whole year and a couple of junior tournaments. Tennis is not as popular as football so, it was not given much attention.

TFS: What are the facilities like?

AO: Some of the facilities are pretty bad. Some courts don't even have paint, while some have cracks, but we love playing regardless. Only the courts that host the major tournaments are in good condition.

TFS: How is the tournament scene?

AO: You know, the best part of it all is the players have trained for months and get to see some friends from different states who all share a love for the game. It's always amazing and no player wants to miss it because you never know when the next tournament is going to be.

TFS: Is there a pathway for aspiring players?

AO: Honestly, that is a tough question. We actually have a lot of amazing players who are aspiring to be pros but lack sponsorship opportunities. So, the chances are very slim except if you get a breakthrough opportunity out of the country or get lucky with some sponsorship.

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TFS: How is the coaching in Nigeria?

AO: The coaching system is not so bad. We have many great coaches but they lack the equipment and resources, but they make do with the little they do have and still produce very good players.

TFS: Where does tennis rank in terms of popularity in Nigeria?

AO: Tennis would be the second most popular sport behind football. Some sponsors are getting involved and their is more attention being given to the sport.

TFS: Are there any players we should be keeping an eye on?

AO: Nigeria has a couple of female players on the ITF tour and also in US colleges such as Oyinlomo Quadri and  Marylove Edward. We also have Bulus Christopher who is the highest-ranked Nigerian player on the tour with a ranking of around 1,079. 

TFS: Why did you leave Nigeria?

AO: I left to find a better opportunity for myself in sports and life experiences. I was limited to competitions, and I decided to give it a shot in other countries where the sport is bigger.

TFS: What are the similarities between the two countries?

AO: Tennis is given more attention in Australia than in Nigeria because of the major tournaments.

TFS: What do you think about the future of tennis in Nigeria?

AO: Tennis is getting much more attention now than when I started. There's been an increase in prize money at some tournaments which is great, and companies are getting involved so, I see a great future.

TFS: What would you like to see happen to tennis in Nigeria?

AO: I would love to see more sponsorship opportunities for players and help coaches with adequate equipment for them to be able to achieve success. 

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