Why Tennis Is Not So Popular—Etubom Duke

Octogenarian and erstwhile Nigerian Lawn Tennis star, Etubom Charles Ekpo Duke, has explained why lawn tennis is not as popular as othersports at the grassroots.

According to him, it is because the game is a bit expensive, considering the cost of racket, ball, net and lack courts to play the game.

The 88-year-old former tennis player who represented Nigeria at various international tournaments and Cross River State between 1962 and1969, spoke with journalists at a pre-championship news briefing in Calabar  Wednesday.

The Etubom Charles Ekpo Duke Tennis Championship for Primary/ Secondary Schools in Calabar Metropolis comes up between 21st and 24th February at the Calabar Sports Club, Murtala Mohammed Highway, Calabar.

Etubom Duke, who represented Nigeria against Ghana, Togo, Uganda, and other countries in his playing days, said he was excited about the championship being organized in his honour and called on corporate bodies to sponsor such events.

“I am elated. I feel very proud that people have not forgotten tennis. This is an encouragement by the Sports Commission. Industries can help. They can sponsor young ones.

“There should be commitment on the part of everybody, especially the media which should focus more on tennis,” he said.

He decried the lack of tennis courts which has hindered the development of the game.The Chairman of the Cross River State  Sports Commission, Mr. Orok Duke, said the championship was being organized to honour Etubom Duke while he is still alive, adding that the Commission will no longer wait for sports legends in the state to die before they are honoured.

He said only schools in Calabar South and Calabar Metropolis will take part in this inaugural championship this year, while schools in the entire18 local governments will be eligible to participate next year.

Mr Duke said 25 schools have already signified interest to take part in the event, while at least 103 schools are expected to participate and that rackets and balls have been provided.

He said professional, standard rules of the game will be applied during the event, adding that many other sporting events such as the Governor Ayade U-15 Football Championship across the 18 local government areas  in March, athletics, basketball, among others have been lined up till June this year.

Chief Tony Undiandeye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, commended the sports commission for honouring a legend such as Etubom Duke.

He urged the commission to compile a compendium of sports legends in the state for posterity.