The first finals of the three weeks over $400,000 Tennis Futures Tournament holding in Abuja will be played tomorrow at the Package B wing of the National Stadium in Abuja.
The tournament a brainchild of Tombim Sports Development Company is being supported by Dayak Nigeria Limited and Gladiator Systems Limited. The outfits are managed by Mr. Edmond Ajoge, Engr. Dayo Akindoju, and Mr. Bayo Okusanya, respectively.
While Tombim’s version is in its Third year, Dayak is doing its second edition, while Gladiator is doing its first. Kogi born Ajoge, in his late forties, is in the Oil and Gas sector. His philanthropic feats in tennis have become all the more noteworthy because of the lethargy that characterizes not just tennis administration in the land, but the enthusiasm of would-be professionals.
He has in league with his fellow sponsors almost single-handed re-construction of the dilapidating Package B Tennis Wing of the Stadium. This is apart from the annual sponsorship of the Futures Tournament, a tour level beginner stage for professional tennis players.
This tournament has over the last three years attracted scores of players to Nigeria from different parts of the world. It has also exposed many Nigerian players to international tennis. A few are additionally in foreign tennis colleges on account of this tournament. Edmond has also sponsored, and still sponsoring several individual Nigerian players on tennis trainings and tournaments to different parts of the world.
The sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung are amongst quests expected at the finals tomorrow.
