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Atilola has accumulated over 30 titles since first picking up a racket nine years ago at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.
A rising star in Nigerian junior Tennis, Mofifunoluwa Atilola is setting ambitious goals for the 2025 season after a remarkable 2024 where she reached the finals of every tournament she entered.
The 11-year-old Tennis sensation is determined to win several laurels including winning Nigeria's first Tennis medal at the Olympics.
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Having dominated the U-10 category for two years, Atilola has continued her success in higher age groups, accumulating over 30 titles since first picking up a racket nine years ago at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.
Introduced to the sport by her father, Shina Atilola, a member of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Atilola quickly demonstrated a natural talent, becoming a force to be reckoned with on the Nigerian junior circuit.
Sights set on global domination
At just 11 years old, Atilola has already achieved a great deal, but she is yet to rest on her oars, setting even bigger aspirations.
“I want to work on my game, get better at it, and win every tournament I participate in, in the new tennis season,” she told Pulse Sports Nigeria in an exclusive interview.
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The Abuja-based young Tennis star added that she is planning to work hard to get International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings.
Known for her emotional reactions to losses, particularly in finals, Atilola's determination and confidence remain unshaken.
“In the next four to five years, I want to become the number one player in the world,” she boldly declared.
Parental dedication fuels ambition
Atilola’s parents have been instrumental in her development, with her father reiterating his commitment to her training, with daily court sessions focused on fitness and game improvement.
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"There is hardly any day we don’t go out to the court for training, either on her fitness or on some aspects of her game. We spend a lot on her all-around tennis development, and we are very positive that she is destined for the very top, but it is a gradual process,” he explained.
Conquering challenges
Atilola recently won the U-16 category of the Sanwo-Olu Junior Tennis Championship in Lagos, despite being only 11.
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The five-time Olympian is one of Nigeria's most successful female table tennis players, having represented the country at multiple African Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games.
She described it as her toughest competition of the year, facing much older opponents.
“I had to fight for every point in that competition because I played against players above my age, and they were very good. I was glad that I won at the end of the day, but those matches definitely made me a better player and I would really love to play more of such in the future,” she explained.
As the 2025 season approaches, the 2024 CBN Junior Open Girls U-14 Champion has a clear goal.
“In 2025, I want to win every tournament I participate in," she said.
With unwavering parental support and an undeniable drive, Mofifunoluwa Atilola's future in Tennis looks incredibly promising.
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