Tournament Director for J5 Abuja, International Tennis Federation (ITF) world tennis tour, Musa Saidu, on Monday said the Federation reduced registration fees to have more Nigerians players participate in the Championship.

According to Saidu, the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) says the actual registration fees for J5 is US$ 50 (equivalent to N20,500) for this level.

“For weeks three and four, we have reduced it to US$ 40 for Nigerian players to have more Nigerians participate. However, foreign players are till to pay US$50.

“We started week three last Monday and ended on Sunday. We started week four on Monday and this will end next Sunday.

“This is to give them more opportunities because a lot of players complained that lack of money has deprived them from participating in the tournament.

“Most players are from less-privileged families and looking at the financial aspects, which have brought about the reduction, that’s why we decided to reduce the registration fees for them to enable them to participate,” he said.

Saidu added that the major challenge facing the Federation is the problem of inadequate funds.

“The challenge we are facing is financed and we have no government involvement in the championship.

“The President of the Federation, Akindoju Adedayo, took it upon himself to organise this competition to enhance the growth of grassroots development of the Sports since it is a junior tournament.
“The president has put a lot of his money into the tournament to ensure that kids play the game of the tennis,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 45 players from eight countries and the host nation are participating.

The countries are Nigeria (host), Germany, US, Sweden, Ghana, Egypt, Great Britain, South Africa and Israel are participating in the championship.

NAN reports that the J5 ITF World Tennis Tour is expected to end on Nov. 28.