Ochei Rolls Out 10-Year Plan to Grow Tennis Among Nigerian Youths

The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochei, has unveiled a series of youth-driven reforms aimed at revitalising tennis development and expanding grassroots participation across Nigeria.

Speaking during a recent media appearance, Ochei outlined the federation’s strategic vision to reposition the sport through long-term planning, improved player tracking, and increased access to competitions nationwide.

A key highlight of the reform agenda is the introduction of a nationwide player registration system. Under the initiative, every tennis player in Nigeria will be assigned a unique identification number, creating a central database to monitor development and streamline participation in clubs and tournaments.

According to Ochei, the system is designed to make tennis more inclusive and structured, while helping authorities identify and nurture emerging talents from an early stage. He emphasised that the federation’s goal is to “catch them young” and build a sustainable pipeline of future champions.

The reforms also form part of a broader 10-year Strategic Tennis Growth Plan (2026–2036), which will focus on talent development across various age groups, particularly in primary and secondary schools.

Beyond administrative changes, Ochei highlighted his longstanding commitment to youth development through sports. He cited initiatives such as grassroots tournaments and sponsorship of athletes for international competitions as part of efforts to expose Nigerian talents to global standards.

The latest reforms come amid renewed efforts by the federation to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in global tennis, with increased emphasis on grassroots engagement, structured development programmes, and institutional reforms.

Observers say the youth-focused approach could mark a turning point for Nigerian tennis, particularly if effectively implemented across schools and local communities.