Revival For Nigeria Tennis Officiating as Three Earn ITF White Badge Certifications
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
After years of absence on the global officiating scene, Nigerian tennis has found new hope.
The country’s officiating ranks have been given a fresh boost as Joseph Edili, Bitrus Danjuma, and Dr. Roseline Folashade Ogunshola secured the prestigious White Badge Tennis Referee certifications from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Sunday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Their success followed a rigorous five-day training and assessment programme at the ITF Officiating School held from April 23–27, 2025.
The trio were selected through a highly competitive process, and their achievement is being hailed as a testament to their hard work, mastery of the rules, and deep dedication to the sport.
Chairman of the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA), Efe Okwagbe, praised the referees for making the country, the Nigeria Tennis Federation, and the association proud. He also wished them a safe return home.
According to a statement by the association’ Public Relations Officer, Chukwunonso Nwabueze, this achievement is particularly significant as Nigeria had been left without any ITF-certified referee following the deaths of the nation’s former officiating stalwarts, Arinola Isa Banire and Henry Okoro Ubochi
With this development, Nigeria is firmly back on the map in international tennis officiating.
