18th October, 2010
As Nigerian Tennis players began their quest for Governor’s Cup over the weekend, some of them are doubtful that they can go far in the tournament.
Atobong James, a local tennis player in a chat with P.M.Sport in Lagos, said it is a tall ambition for anybody to tip Nigerian players for glory in the ongoing competition.
James, who is preparing to represent Kogi State in the forthcoming National Sports Festival, said it will be difficult for any Nigerian player to emerge as the winner.
He said lack of regular international competitions and exposure on the part of the players will hinder them from going far in the tournament.
“Don’t let us deceive ourselves, no Nigerian tennis player can win this year’s Governor’s Cup. Our tennis players cannot match the foreign players. How many Nigerian players played in big competitions before now? So it is clear the Governor’s Cup is for big players,†he said.
Asked why he did not register for the competition, James admitted that he is not ripe for the championship. He said the tourney is a big competition and should be played by best players all over the world
Similarly, Kofoworola Raheem believes Nigerian players cannot win the tournament, though they may try their best. She said the foreign players are technically better than the local players and they are ready to give their best in the competition.
