Sports Minister Pays Surprise Visit to SNEPCo Junior Tennis

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, thursday in Lagos paid a surprise visit to the junior players taking part in the SNEPCo Junior Tennis Championship at the National Stadium in Lagos.

Dalung’s visit which came in the middle of the quarterfinal matches, saw the dumbfounded players scrambling to join the minister in a group photo which was followed by a mini rally with one of the young players.

“You should take every opportunity to develop your skills to be the best you can be.” The minister admonished the players. Adding, ” You need self belief, hard work, discipline, respect for your opponents, coaches and elders to succeed”

Only one upset was recorded in the quarters with Ganiyu Mubarak of Oyo State, the defending champion of the 12 and under event, losing to unseeded Olubuade Samod of Lagos 9-6.

In the Girls’ 16, results went as expected with the top four seeds – Toyin Asogba, Favour Moses, Omolade Aderemi and Omolayo Bamidele – reaching the semifinals. Iye Onoja from Abuja and Serena Teluwo are on course for their eagerly awaited clash in the finals of the Girls’ 14.

The semifinal matches are scheduled to take place from 10 am today at the National Stadium Lagos while the grand finale will hold at the elite Ikoyi Club on Saturday starting at 12 noon.

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