Alex Adewale, a wheelchair tennis player, has called for the support of philanthropists and other sports stakeholders for the provision of modern equipment for athletes.
He said that the equipment would enable them compete favourably with their counterparts at local and international competitions.
Adewale made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
He attributed Nigeria’s defeat at the 2024 BNP Paribas World Team Cup wheelchair tennis, African qualifying in Abuja, to lack of modern equipment.
Adewale said support from philanthropists; non-governmental organisations and individuals would go a long way to enhance Wheelchair Tennis players’ performance.
“Nigeria Wheelchair Tennis Players always do well and would perform better if they have modern equipment.”
“Watching us play on the court shows that we have the same forehand and backhand strokes techniques, but we lack modern equipment.
“This is our short coming and that is why our opponents are always ahead of us at tournaments,” he said.
He said that for Nigeria’s wheelchair tennis to advance there was a need for the provision of modern equipment.
“As you can see, these are not just typical wheelchairs that you can purchase from any store.
“You must visit the company making the equipment and make a specific request for the player.
He said that the wheelchair tennis federation cannot provide the equipment alone, hence the need for support.
Adewale said that there are talented players being discovered that needed to be groomed for the future, but because of lack of modern equipment, it would be difficult.
“I have no doubt that we will do better if we are provided with the modern equipment,” he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria came third in both Men and Women events at the 2024 BNP Paribas World Team Cup wheelchair tennis African qualifying.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda and Tanzania in both categories.
South Africa’s Men and Women teams secured the tickets to represent Africa at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Turkiye from May 7 to May 12.