· Foreign ministry wades in
A 14-year-old Nigerian prodigy, Mr. Oluwaseun Ogunsakin, has been denied a French visa after submitting valid documents during his application process.
The denial has jeopardized the kid’s participation in the International Tennis Federation, ITF’s Junior Circuit, which begins in France later this week.
It has, however, emerged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would engage the French Embassy this week to find a resolution.
Ogunsakin, a product of the Aurum Tennis Academy, was to travel Europe for training purposes and to participate in some ITF Junior tournaments in France and other European cities.
His visa application documents included a Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as other documents confirming his intention to participate the ITF’s Junior Circuit in France, our correspondent learnt.
His application was also supported by the Ministry of Sports, who got the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue the Note Verbale as well as a letter by the ITF signed by Dermot Sweeney, the Technical Director, Training Centers and Players.
The letter reads in part: “This is to confirm that Oluwaseun Ogunsakin Peter is a member of the ITF/ATF 14 & Under Team competing in France, Germany, and Belgium from the 6th of July to the 13th of August 2023.”
It also listed the six tournaments, dates, and duration. TEJT 14&U Marnes La Coquette, TEJT 16&U Blois, and TEJT 14&U Annecy hold in France; TEJT 14&U Duren in Germany; and TEJT 14&U Hasselt in Belgium between 6 July and 13 August.
In the letter, the GSPDP/ITF/ATF 14 & Under Team also assured responsibility for Ogunsakin’s welfare and coverage of all costs related to transportation, meals, and lodging during the tour.
“The GSPDP/ITF will hold itself fully responsible for the above-named player while he/she is on this tour, and the GSPDP/ITF is responsible for all costs relating to transportation and all meal and lodging expenses. We would therefore appreciate it if you would issue Oluwaseun Ogunsakin Peter with the necessary visa to obtain entry into your country,” the letter stated.
Curiously, the French Embassy denied his application, citing “reasonable doubts” about the authenticity of his travel document as the basis for their decision.
Meanwhile, Mr. Richfield Dongo, the GM, Aurum Tennis Academy, has expressed disappointment at the visa denial and said his organization plans to appeal the decision and expressed optimism that Ogunsakin could still travel to Europe.
Prior to joining the academy, Ogunsakin was ranked number 7 among junior Tennis players in Africa and is now ranked Number 2 in Nigeria’s 18 & Under Circuit and number 857 in the world by the ITF.
