Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Section, Ede Osemwengie  said  yesterday in Lagos that all was set for the first National Tennis Challenge sponsored by the section.

The challenge matches will feature Mumuni Babalola, winner of the 2014

CBN Senior Open Championships and Clifford Enosoregbe winner of the 2013 Dala Hard Court Championships who defends the title in Kano in  November.

The ladies’ contest will have Ronke Akingbade, winner of the 2013 CBN Championship

squaring up against emerging young tennis star and  runner-up at the

2012 CBN Senior championship, Sarah Adegoke.

“We (Ikoyi Club Tennis Section) want to start contributing our own small quota to

the development of tennis in Nigeria” Mr Osemwengie said.  Adding, “we hope that the challenge contest, which  will be annual by God’s grace, will serve to motivate other players to strive to win tournaments to qualify.”

Mr Sunday Thomas, the captain of the section  explained further: “We have the Masters Championship that will feature the top eight players, men and women, in view. This should serve as a test run.

“For this challenge, the tennis stars will interact with members on Thursday evening, enjoy our warm hospitality and  get comfortable with the surroundings. We are expecting to have a very good context on Friday  beginning with the ladies at 4:30 pm.”

President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Sani Ndanusa

is expected to be the special guest of honour.