Abuja-based Chukwudubem Amasiani is proving to be the most prodigious junior talent coming out of Nigeria, as he fought his way into the finals of both the Boys 12 and Boys 14 categories.
Given a chance to play up one age category, the 12-year-old made the most of it by beating Seyi Ogunsakin from Ekiti 10-6, 10-8 in the Boys 14 and Idris Abubarkar from the Kodian Tennis Academy in Port Harcourt 10-4, 10-6 in the Boys 12 in matches decided by the best of three tiebreaks format.
Amasiani met Gbolahan Olawale from Akure in the Boys 14 final, yesterday, while Joel Michael from Lagos had to deal with Amasiani’s firepower in the Boys12 championship match.
Director of the International Tennis Academy, organisers of the tournament, Godwin Kienka, said Amasiani is a great potential in the mold of Carlos Alcaraz with the heart, temperament and skills.
“I was one of those who in 2005 at the French Open in Paris predicted that Novak Djokovic will be a world champion and winner of several grand slams after seeing him in practice and matches. I have the same feeling for Chukwudubem Amasiani if he gets the right support and guidance,” Kienka said.
The Girls 14 final featured Gloria Samuel from Ekiti and Fego Ayetuoma from the Kodian Academy in Port Harcourt, while the Girls 12s was between Mofifun Atilola from Lagos and Favour Okon-James from Akwa Ibom.
The grand finale at the tennis facility of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan also featured a coaching clinic to teach basic tennis skills to about 200 school kids in Yenagoa..
