"This Is Only the Beginning" — SGS Kataps as Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship Uncovers New Tennis Talents

By Nformi Desmond

The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, says the maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas Northeast Tennis Championship marks the beginning of a sustained effort to discover and develop young tennis talents across the Northeast.

Speaking at the grand finale of the championship held on Thursday at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, Kataps said the region is blessed with abundant sporting talents that require sustained support, exposure and investment to compete at higher levels.

He commended the Local Organising Committee for the successful organisation of the tournament and called on governments, corporate organisations and sports stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports development.

According to him, the championship is designed to provide young athletes with opportunities to sharpen their skills, gain competitive experience and prepare for national and international competitions.

Kataps dedicated the tournament to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in recognition of the administration's commitment to youth development and sports.

Representing the Vice President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Dati commended Governor Kefas for creating a peaceful environment that enables young people to develop their talents. He described the championship as a strategic investment capable of producing future national and international tennis stars.

Representing Governor Kefas, Rt. Hon. Kizito J. Bonzena applauded the SGS for initiating the championship and urged public and private stakeholders to support programmes that positively engage young people through sports.

The championship featured Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 events, attracting young players from Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States. Beyond the competition, the tournament promoted unity, friendship and healthy rivalry among participants from across the region.

The grand finale attracted members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, officials of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, sports administrators, political stakeholders, media practitioners and tennis enthusiasts.

The National Sports Commission Northeast also honoured Governor Agbu Kefas, High Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to sports development.

Among the champions were Divine Denis of Adamawa (Under-17 Boys), Yaman Philip Noku of Adamawa (Under-17 Girls), James A. Noku of Taraba (Under-14 Boys), Josephine Musa of Taraba (Under-14 Girls) and Rahila James of Taraba (Under-12 Girls).

The successful maiden edition has raised expectations that the championship will become an annual platform for discovering, nurturing and producing the next generation of tennis talents from the Northeast for Nigeria and beyond.

NORTH EAST TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP: ADAMAWA'S YAMAN PHILIP WINS GIRLS U-17 TITLE

By Nformi Desmond 

Yaman Philip of Adamawa State has won the Girls Under-17 title at the ongoing Dr. Agbu Kefas North East Tennis Championship after defeating Charity Ubandoma of Taraba State 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 in an exciting final at the Tennis Court of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

Yaman dominated the opening set 6-1, but Charity responded strongly to take the second set 6-3 and force the match into a deciding super tie-break. Yaman eventually won the tie-break 10-8 to secure the championship.

With the victory, Yaman Philip finished as Champion, Charity Ubandoma emerged Runner-up, while Sophia Emeka of Yobe State claimed the Second Runner-up position.

The final attracted several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State and North-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, High Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, who is the sponsor of the championship; the Vice President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Alhaji Yusuf Datti; the Secretary of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Aliyu Makpa; the Central Zone Representative of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Mr. Victor Hembah; the President of Jalingo Tennis Club, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah A. Faransa (Rtd); the Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Development Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini; and other government officials and sports administrators.

The match drew applause from spectators, coaches and officials, who commended both players for their determination and sportsmanship throughout the contest.

With the Girls Under-17 event concluded, attention now shifts to the Boys Under-14 and Boys Under-17 finals, which will be played on Thursday as the championship reaches its climax.