President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Sani Ndanusa has said that the death of  famed tennis player, Thompspn Onibokun was a great loss to African tennis. Onibokun, one of the great names in Nigerian sports  passed on during the week in Oyo town, at the age of 76.

Speaking yesterday, Ndanusa, who is also the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, said that the entire Nigerian tennis fraternity was still in shock over Onibokun’s demise.

He added that his passage was a big loss to the game, noting that it was going to be difficult to see another Onibokun in our life time.

“He was a true champion, an exemplary leader, a worthy leader, a father to the little ones and a rare-breed tennis player, who made his mark during his playing days and also a coach of great players.

We are going to miss him greatly”, said Ndanusa, who prayed God to give the family of the departed the fortitude to bear this great loss.Onibokun was one of the finest tennis players to have come out of the continent in the 60s and 70s.

He served as Nigeria’s Davis Cup non playing captain, which was Nigeria’s best times in the competition, when they narrowly missed the World Cup after losing to the Netherlands in Benin City