Thrilled by the outstanding performance of 12-year-old tennis player, Shuaibu Ismail, at the just-concluded Adewale Isa Junior Tennis Tournament held from 13-17th August at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has extended his warmest congratulations to the Nasarawa State-born tennis prodigy.

Young Ismail had defied boundaries to navigate his way to the semi-finals of the championship reserved for athletes within ages 12-16 with nearly sixty participants drawn from across Nigeria to clinch a bronze medal.

The Governor wrote on the official WhatsApp platform of Nasarawa United Football Club where Ismail's achievement at the Championship was reported, "Congratulations, Shuaibu Ismail, for making us proud."

Governor Sule who adopted the youngster over three years ago and took sponsorship of his tennis career has applauded his talent and ingenuity.

At one of the receptions held for the tennis wizkid at the Nasarawa State Government House in Lafia, Sule disclosed that "Ismail's remarkable performance and commitment to the sport have brought both glory and honour to the State, making the people proud."

At another forum, the Governor acknowledged the hard work, perseverance and passion of the Nasarawa Eggon-born boy wonder whose exceptional skills and talent on the tennis court are paying off through his accomplishments, describing it as a testament to the bright future of tennis in Nasarawa State.

The son of Nasarawa State Tennis Coach, Shuaibu Usman, Ismail has participated in dozens of Junior Tennis Championships, both in Nigeria and off the shores of the country, under the sponsorship of the Governor, with breathtaking outcomes.

The Nasarawa State number one citizen sees little Ismail as an inspiration to many young athletes in the State and believes that the youngster will achieve even greater heights like feats attained by tennis greats, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andrew Agassi, in the nearest future.

Determined to make Nasarawa State the home of sports in Nigeria, Sule continues to distinguish himself and his administration by creating enabling environments for the growth and development of sports and talents by providing adequate and constant resources while ensuring the renovation of existing sports infrastructure and constructing new ones to meet global requirements.

He rewards hard work and excellence, regardless of where it is coming from, believing that it will spur the stakeholders to go an extra mile to make greater impact in their chosen fields and make the State proud.

His instant response to the athlete's feat in Lagos is a prelude to better things to happen to Nasarawa State's sports athletes and key stakeholders.

While teenage tennis sensation, Ismail, continues to strive for success and excellence, it is hoped that he will receive the honour of the Governor's invite to present his 'golden' bronze to the State's Chief Executive, in appreciation of the numerous investments on him.