TheCable

Alex Adewale, a wheelchair tennis player, has appealed to philanthropists and sports stakeholders to help purchase modern equipment to improve performances of athletes.

He said the equipment will enable them compete favourably with their counterparts at local and international competitions.

Speaking on Saturday in Abuja, Adewale said Nigeria’s defeat at the 2024 BNP Paribas World Cup qualifying in Abuja, was caused by inadequate equipment.

“Nigeria wheelchair tennis players do well and would perform better if they have modern equipment,” he said.

“Watching us play on the court shows that we have the same forehand and backend strokes techniques. But, we lack modern equipment.

“This is our shortcoming and that is why our opponents are always ahead of us at tournaments.

“As you can see, these are not just typical wheelchairs that you can purchase from any store. You must visit the company making the equipment and make a specific request for the player.”

He added that the wheelchair tennis federation cannot provide these equipment alone.

“I have no doubt that we will do better if we are provided with the modern equipment,” he said.