A 13-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 student of Start-Rite Schools, one of the leading citadels of learning in Abuja, Chukwudubem Amasiani, has won the Under 16 category of the 2024 NNPC/SNEPCo Junior Tennis Championship, held in Warri, Delta State.
With this triumphant outing, the fast rising tennis prodigy recently ranked No. 8 in Africa (U-14) by the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) making him No. 1 in West Africa, has won 21 titles after reaching 28 finals within a space of three years that he came into limelight in competitive lawn tennis game.
A release by the media and communications unit of Start-Rite Schools indicated that the tennis whizkid defeated Gbolahan Olawale, the current National Youth Games Champion, to emerge winner of the U-16 title at the 2024 NNPC/SNEPCo Junior Tennis Tournament.
The release reads: “In a spectacular display of skill, endurance, and sportsmanship, 13-year-old Chukwudubem Amasiani, a student of Start-Rite Schools, Abuja, has clinched the U-16 title at the 2024 NNPC/SNEPCo Junior Tennis Tournament in Warri, Delta State. Dubem triumphed over Gbolahan Olawale, the current National Youth Games Champion, in an electrifying match that captivated spectators and showcased his remarkable talent, tenacity, and poise under pressure. This latest win adds to Dubem’s impressive list of titles, solidifying his status as a standout in Nigeria’s junior tennis scene and one of the brightest young stars in African tennis.
“For Start-Rite, Dubem’s journey is both a point of pride and an inspiration for other students, encouraging them to pursue their own dreams with similar drive and commitment.
“As his career progresses, Start-Rite Schools will proudly support and cheer him on, celebrating every serve, volley, and victory while encouraging him to reach even greater heights, embodying the spirit of excellence that the school strives to instill in all its students.”
Upon receiving the news, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, Chairman, Start-Rite Schools Advisory Board and the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University Lokoja, praised Dubem’s achievement and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to holistic education.
He emphasized that the school not only prioritizes academic excellence but also fosters achievement in sports, the arts, and leadership.
“This dedication is evident in the support provided to students like Dubem, enabling them to pursue their passions while balancing academic demands,” Ndoma-Egba added.
Some of the notable achievements of the Start-Rite student in the world of tennis include:
SNEPCO, Port Harcourt (November 2021) – Winner, Under 10; CBN Junior Tennis Tournament (2022) – Runner-up, Under 10; MTN Junior Tennis Tournament, Lagos (2022) – Runner-up, Under 12; SNEPCO Junior Masters, Lagos (2022) – Winner, Under 12; Alhaji Isa Junior Tennis Championship (2022) – Winner, Under 12; SAPETRO Futures Tennis Tournament (2022) – Winner, Under 12; Azimuth Tennis Championship (2023) – Winner, Under 12; CBN Junior Tennis Tournament (2023) – Winner, Under 12; SNEPCO, Yenagoa (2023) – Winner, Under 14; ITF/CAT West African Championship (2023) – Winner, Under 12 (Team); Alhaji Isa Junior Tennis Championship (2023) – Winner, Under 14; Pharaoh’s Bowl – TEN-PRO International (2023) – Runner-up, Under 12; Pharaoh’s Bowl – TEN-PRO International (2023) – Runner-up, Under 13; Chevron Junior Tennis Masters (2023) – Winner, Under 14; African Junior Tennis Championship, Namibia (2024) – Runner-up, Singles, Under 14;
African Junior Tennis Championship, Namibia (2024) – Winner, Doubles, Under 14; African Junior Tennis Championship, Namibia (2024) – Winner, Singles, Under 14 (Leg 2) and African Junior Tennis Championship, Namibia (2024) – Winner, Doubles, Under 14 (Leg 2).