Shuaibu Ismail, a 12-year-old Nasarawa State-born Tennis player has never stopped wowing those in the sports industry in Nigeria as he continues to defy the odds to etch his name among teenage tennis great in the Country.
The son of Nasarawa State Tennis Coach, Shuaibu Usman, the sport wizkid exhibits exceptional skill, talent and prowess on and off the tennis court, defying his age and impressing fans, coaches and opponents alike.
The teenage sensation is endowed with natural ability and instincts, rapid learning and adaptation skills, exceptional physical attributes like speed, strength and agility, while his mental toughness and focus, innovative playing pattern in achieving remarkable success remain mysterious and jaw-dropping.
Recently, young Ismail participated in the Annual Adewale Isa Junior Tennis Tournament held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from 13th-17th August, 2024, where he advanced from the preliminary stages before being gallantly defeated in the Semi-finals.
However, Ismail did not leave the stage without leaving his mark at the tournament as he settled for the Bronze Medal, a feat never anticipated from a little boy amidst a constellation of tennis stars from across Nigeria.
The tournament which was organised by the Adewale Isa Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Tennis Federation, was attended by States of Nigeria and FCT, Abuja, and was strictly for players within ages 12, 14 and 16 years only.
Upon return to Nasarawa State from the tournament, accompanied by his father cum coach, Ismail proceeded straight to the Office of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, in Lafia, where he presented his ‘golden’ bronze medal and souvenir to the former, in appreciation of the regular support and encouragement to him, promising to continue to work hard and smart to win laurels and set the name of the State in a positive sport trajectory.
Overwhelmed by the achievement of the boy wonder, Hon. Jafaru Ango, congratulated him, on behalf of the Ministry, and offered many words of encouragement and support.
He described the prodigious tennis athlete as a typical example of the ‘I-can’ spirit of the Nasarawa indigene.
Indeed, little Ismail is an inspiration as he inspires fans, leaving a lasting impact on the Tennis Sport.
Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS),
PRO,
Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
