By Habeeb Ibrahim
Damilare Okunola, a leading figure in Nigerian sports journalism and founder of Nigeria Tennis Live, has earned continental recognition as one of Africa’s top 10 writers in the “Writing Best Colour Piece” category, according to the latest announcement by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
The shortlisted article, “Tennis The Alternative; Giving Hope To The Hopeless In Nigeria”, spotlighted the transformative power of tennis among Nigeria’s underserved youth, earning Okunola and Nigeria Tennis Live a place among Africa’s elite sports storytellers.
AIPS, known globally for celebrating excellence in sports journalism, listed Okunola’s article alongside works from esteemed journalists across Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. Notably, he was one of four Nigerian journalists to make the coveted list, including Abiodun Adewale (PUNCH), Bethel Kalu (Igulafrica.com), Morakinyo Abodunrin (The Nation), and Oluwashina Okeleji (Al Jazeera).
Reacting to the recognition, Okunola expressed his surprise and gratitude, revealing that the news reached him while covering the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. “I didn’t know that AIPS had listed an article from our prestigious organization—Nigeria Tennis Live—among the top 10 in a category in Africa,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “This is a product of dedicated and hard, hard work and consistency.”
He extended special appreciation to his colleagues Abidoye Itunu and Omotosho Odunayo for their support during the process, as well as Coaches Oke Joseph, Abel Ubiebe, and Frank Termena for providing the resources that helped bring the story to life. A nod was also given to Babajide, who promptly informed him of the achievement.
The article’s focus on tennis as a means of empowerment in disadvantaged communities aligns with Nigeria Tennis Live’s mission to spotlight untold stories and nurture the sport at the grassroots level.
As Okunola put it, the recognition is just the beginning. “In the coming year, we’re coming for the top prize, but until then, we’re continuing with our work from our small space.”
The AIPS Sport Media Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for journalistic quality, offering a platform for sports journalists around the world to be acknowledged for impactful storytelling. And with this recognition, Nigeria Tennis Live reaffirms its place as a major voice in African sports media.
