Disheartened by the deplorable state of tennis in Nigeria, legend, Nduka Odizor, says he is open to helping the sport grow administratively if given a chance, The PUNCH reports.
The Duke, as Odizor was fondly called during his playing days in the 1980s, blamed the decline of the game in the country on an undesirable plan from the current tennis administrators.
Speaking in a recent interview with TVC, Odizor added that he was part of a group of Nigerians based overseas keen on reviving the sport.
“There is a New Nigerian Tennis Players Diaspora Forum which I belong to that is keen on reviving tennis in Nigeria,” Odizor said.
“We have about 37 members and we are trying to see how we can strategically come to Nigeria and see how we can help out with the various tennis events.
“The players need support technically and administratively to grow, which they currently lack.
“The administration of tennis back home is quite difficult and it is time for them to review their positions and make changes and plans to help the players develop or give ways to those overseas with fresh ideas to take charge vis-a-vis they solicit support to revive the game.”
He added, “In the past, players across the world usually came to Nigeria to compete for ATP points in tournaments, which no longer happens. The bad system in Nigeria will not allow that because it has been difficult to get in there to help.”
During his playing days in the 1980s, Odizor, alongside the likes of David Imonitie, Tony Mmoh and Sadiq Abdullahi, competed successfully on the world circuit and brought glory to the country.
He won one career title in singles (Taipei, 1983) and seven doubles titles. He reached his highest ATP singles ranking of world No.52 in June 1984 and reached No.20 in doubles in August 1984.
Odizor, who started playing tennis in Benin City, established a tennis foundation in 2004, which he runs from his base in Houston, the United States, with offices in Abuja and
Asaba.
