Protesting tennis players, coaches and other stakeholders barricaded the National Stadium Lagos tennis courts, offices and other appurtenances yesterday over alleged refusal of ‘some tenant’ to allow them use the facility.

The protesters, mostly special athletes, youth team stars and their coaches, alleged that Mainland Tennis Club, which was permitted to use the facilities by the defunct Ministry of Sports over 10 years ago, has effectively taken over the place, built some structures in it and barricaded the “whole area” to deny the players access to it.

With placards calling on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to wade into the issue to allow grassroots players and their coaches to use the facility, they said that apart from tennis, “the two toilets built by Mainland Tennis Club for their personal use have made it impossible for squash players to access their courts.”

The Guardian recalls that some stakeholders in the country’s tennis, comprising former players, coaches and lovers of the game, in March this year petitioned the NSC over the activities of Mainland Tennis Club, whose members are mainly leisure players.

In the petition signed by Lucky Nana and others, dated March 27, 2026, the petitioners said: “It has been observed on multiple occasions that genuine tennis players and coaches are being restricted from accessing the courts by individuals and groups operating within the facility.

“While it is understood that clubs may be granted permission to use the courts, such arrangements should be governed by clear terms, agreements, or a Memorandum of Understanding that protects the developmental purpose of the stadium. Unfortunately, the current situation suggests a lack of transparency and accountability in how access is controlled.

“There are increasing concerns about: Restricted access to courts, including situations where players are denied use of available facilities; courts being locked and only accessible through specific individuals, creating barriers for players and coaches; the prolonged closure of key courts, including the centre court, with little or no communication regarding reopening; and conduct and actions within the facility that have created an environment of intimidation and discomfort for players and coaches.”

At the stadium yesterday, the protesters expressed frustration that the NSC was taking too long to address the situation, adding that many of the grassroots players that normally used the facility during the holiday period have been forced to other things “because they cannot enter the courts.”

The Guardian could not get the NSC Director General, Bukola Olapade, to speak on the issue, but a source in the Commission said that the NSC has dispatched some of its top staff to Lagos to resolve the issue.