Melting the Silver Medal Glass Ceiling: Collaboration is Key to Nigeria’s Olympic Success
Nigeria’s Director General of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, is optimistic that working together with private sector stakeholders, state governments, and organizations like the International Tennis Academy can ensure a medal-winning performance at the Olympics.
Stepping into the role, Dikko inherited the challenge of regaining momentum after Nigeria’s lackluster performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with no medals won.
Speaking at the recent Sapetro Futures Tournament at the Ikoyi Club, Dikko emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “By working together, I’m confident that we can break the cycle of returning from the Olympic Games without a single medal.”
The tournament showcased talented young athletes competing in three age categories: Boys and Girls 12s, 14s, and 16s. The exceptional skill and strategic play of the finalists left a lasting impression on attendees.
Bayelsa State dominated the Boys and Girls 12s divisions, with Excellency Oginiba defeating Oyo State’s Ghazal Ashim and Karina Opuene triumphing over Barakat Ganiyu in a thrilling tiebreak-set match.
Mofi Atilola from Lagos shone in the junior tournament, claiming the 12s title and advancing to the finals in the 14s and 16s categories. She displayed remarkable potential by competing in multiple age groups, ultimately winning the 14s title against Success Godwin from Ekiti in a straight-set victory, but losing to Goodnews Aina from Ekiti in the Girls 16s final by the same score.
Ondo State’s Gbolahan Olawale clinched the Boys 16s championship, defeating Onyekachi Ogumjiofor from Oyo State in the final. Isa Yahaya from Lagos secured the Boys 14s title with a two-set victory over Goodluck Tersoo from Abuja, who had previously won the 14s title in a previous encounter.
