Nigeria Padel Federation Targets Academies, Investment To Develop Young Talents — Benson

The President of the Nigeria Padel Federation, Hon. Babajimi Benson, has unveiled plans to attract investment, establish training academies and develop infrastructure to accelerate the growth of padel in Nigeria.

Benson said the federation would work towards building a sustainable sporting ecosystem that would provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their talents, compete internationally and represent the country.

Speaking in an interview, he stressed the need for a structured development programme, supported by government involvement and private-sector investment, to establish facilities and training centres across the country.

“We do have a lot of plans. We need to put in a government structure. We need to attract investment so that we can build courts. We also need schools, like training schools and academies,” he said.

The federation president described the development drive as the beginning of a new era for the sport, with a focus on engaging young people and creating pathways to international competition.

He said the objective was to provide Nigerian youths with opportunities to develop their sporting abilities and gain exposure beyond the country.

Benson explained that his interest in padel was driven partly by the opportunity it offers Nigerian players to compete at club and national levels, showcasing the country’s sporting talent on the international stage.

He added that Nigeria’s large pool of athletic young people could provide a strong foundation for the sport’s growth.

According to him, the country’s sporting potential presents an opportunity to attract investors seeking talented athletes and emerging markets.

“Nigeria has talent everywhere. We’re very active. Nigerian youngsters are very athletic,” he said, pointing to the country’s strength in athletics as an indication of the potential available across different sports.

Benson also described padel as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, arguing that its expanding popularity offers Nigeria an opportunity to establish a presence in the international game.

However, achieving that ambition would require investment in courts, coaching, grassroots competitions and structured training programmes to identify and nurture promising players.

The federation’s proposed academies are expected to provide a foundation for talent identification and development, while improved infrastructure could expand access to the sport and prepare players for international competitions.

Benson said the federation’s broader ambition was to build a system that would enable Nigerian players to compete for their clubs and country, while creating more opportunities for young people through sport.

He maintained that sustained investment and an organised development structure would be essential to turning Nigeria’s potential into competitive success in padel.