In the heart of Ilorin, where passion for sports continues to shape young talents, a new name is steadily gaining attention, Amirat Mohammed, Kwara State’s promising tennis sensation.
Her recent feat at the prestigious Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis Tournament, where she finished as runner-up in the U-13 category, is more than just a medal, it is a statement of intent.
For Amirat, tennis is not just a sport; it is a journey of discipline, resilience, and dreams taking shape.
“Tennis means a lot to me. I started playing the game from six. I really want to go far in the sport, with the great support of my parents and coaches. My ambition is to be Nigeria’s Number One”, she said.
Currently a Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 student of Flora College, Ilorin, Amirat has shown remarkable composure and technical ability on the court, qualities rare for someone her age.
Competing against some of the best young talents across the country, she displayed grit and maturity, battling her way to the final and ultimately finishing second.
Winning the runners up trophy in the CBN Junior Tennis Championship will further motivate and spur me to do more. At the final, the atmosphere was electrifying. But unfortunately, I lost. But, the lesson for me is, I can do more. Our coaches and administrators need to keep encouraging we the young players. We need more competitions.
Her performance did not just earn her accolades, it marked her as one of the brightest young prospects in Nigeria’s growing tennis ecosystem.
Like many young athletes, Amirat draws inspiration from global icons. Her role model is none other than Aryna Sabalenka, the powerful Belarusian tennis star known for her aggressive style and unwavering confidence.
“My role model is Aryna Sabalenka. I do watch her games. The way she plays….always ambitious. I want to be like her. She is a player who never gives up.
Amirat admires Sabalenka’s fighting spirit and determination, qualities she is already beginning to mirror in her own game. She dreams of one day stepping onto the international stage, representing Nigeria, and perhaps even competing in Grand Slam tournaments, just like her idol.
Beyond the tennis court, Amirat remains deeply committed to her education. With her eyes set firmly on the future, she aspires to become a lawyer, proving that excellence in sports and academics can go hand in hand.
“Apart from my love for tennis, my other ambition is to become a lawyer. I love that profession.
Managing schoolwork alongside rigorous training sessions is no easy task, but she embraces the challenge with admirable focus. For her, education is just as important as her sporting ambitions, a dual pathway she is determined to excel in.
Amirat’s rise is a testament to the growing investment in grassroots sports development in Kwara State. Her success serves as motivation for other young athletes, especially girls, to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Coaches and sports enthusiasts in Ilorin already see her as a beacon of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and dedication.
While finishing second at the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament is a commendable achievement, it is only the beginning for Amirat Mohammed. With continued support, proper training, and her unwavering determination, the young star is poised for even greater heights.
The story of Amirat Mohammed is not just one of talent discovered. it is one of heritage, mentorship, and family passion. Much like the legendary journey of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, whose rise to global dominance began under the guidance of their father, Amirat’s tennis journey was first shaped at home.
At the foundation of her budding career is her father, ACP Salihu Tunde Mohammed, a devoted tennis player whose love for the game became a guiding light for his children. Long before trophies and tournaments, it was on local courts and quiet training sessions that he introduced Amirat to the sport.
ACP Salihu Tunde Mohammed is the son of the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Salihu Woru Mohammed. He is currently the Commandant of the Police Training School, Ilorin, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Police Force Tennis Association. He was recently appointed as the Chairman of Kwara State Tennis Association by the Kwara State Sports Commission.
“My father influenced my choice in sports, which is tennis. My brother and sisters started by following him to the Stadium to watch him train, its always a nice atmosphere. We all picked interest in the sport. He buys us kits, and sometimes trains us. Its interesting and rewarding…the familiarity is something special.
Not content with being just a spectator, he took on the role of her first coach, instilling discipline, technique, and most importantly, passion.
For him, tennis is more than a pastime, it is a legacy. And through Amirat and her brother and sisters, that legacy is taking root.
Growing up in a household where tennis is celebrated, Amirat was naturally drawn to the rhythm of the game: the bounce of the ball, the swing of the racket, and the thrill of competition. Her father ensured that all his children were exposed to the sport, nurturing not just players, but lovers of the game.
“It was a great experience. I motivated her alongside her senior brother and sisters because I love the game. I picked interest in it right from my secondary school days. I started by watching it, from there, I developed the interest, and from then, I used to go to the stadium to play.
“You know the state is blessed with sporting facilities, and with the ongoing renovation and constructions by the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, its marvellous. It was at the stadium I met Wale Obalola, who is now the Administrator of the Kwara Football Academy, and others. That was part of what gave me the opportunity to be what I am today, as a Veteran tennis player, and Chairman of two tennis associations.
“And when God blessed me with with children, they follow me to the stadium, watch me play, and now, they are also tennis players. Anytime I am going to the stadium, my first son, AbdulSalam and the others follow me. We are now a family of tennis lovers and players.. I have four of them, all of them playing tennis.
This early foundation has proven invaluable. It gave Amirat a head start, building her confidence and sharpening her instincts long before stepping into competitive arenas.
Those early lessons have now blossomed into tangible success. Her second-place finish in the U-13 category at the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament is a reflection of years of quiet dedication and consistent guidance.
“For Amirat, I saw the determination and rescllience in her, that she was going to go far. She is now 12, and she started following me to the stadium from 6. as a Police Officer, anytime transfers takes us out of the state, we go with our family. Their first contact with the game was in Ekiti state, when I was posted to the state. There. They met their peers, play together….and when I came back here in Ilorin, the story continues. I sometimes train them on my own. I saw a grat potential in all of them. They are all doing well. They are not there yet, but the potential is high.
“My advise to her is to keep training and remain focused. To succeed in tennis, you need to be determined and focused. She must also not toy with her education. We the parents are supporting her”, he added.
On the court, her composure and fighting spirit echo the values instilled by her father, resilience, focus, and the courage to compete.
While her father laid the foundation, Amirat’s dreams stretch far beyond local courts. Inspired by Aryna Sabalenka, she envisions a future on the global stage, competing with the best and carrying Nigeria’s hopes.
Amirat Mohammed’s journey is a powerful reminder that greatness often begins at home. With a father who believed, guided, and inspired, she has taken her first bold steps into the spotlight.
And just like the Williams sisters’ story inspired generations, this father-daughter partnership in Ilorin may well be the beginning of another remarkable chapter in tennis history.
Her story is still being written, but one thing is certain: Kwara has found a gem, and Nigeria may just be witnessing the rise of its next tennis champion. For Kwara State, she is already a star. For Nigeria, she is a promise.
