We
love Nigeria;
we are no Nigerians says Venus & Serena Williams
By Niyi Alebiosu
 |
| Serena, Venus & Governor Fashola |
VENUS
and Serena Williams say they would have been happy to be Nigerians but are
proud to be citizens of the United
States of America.
There
had been controversy surrounding the real origin of the famous tennis duo but
the sisters chose a press conference they addressed in Lagos, Nigeria on
Wednesday, to declare that they are Americans.
Before
yesterday, speculations were rife that the Williams sisters had their roots in
Badagary, Lagos State
of Nigeria.
While
reacting to this at the Federal Palace Hotel conference room in Lagos, Venus, who reacted
on behalf of the family, told Tribunesport that there was no need to debate
their American roots.
"We
cannot rule out the possibilities of having a link with Africa,
but the truth of the matter is that we are Americans," she said
affirmatively.
The
tennis icons also described their visit to Nigeria as amazing and exciting,
adding that it was a great experience and honour for them to be in the country,
especially on the project of empowering young girls in tennis.
Venus
said: "It is so exciting and amazing that I am here in Nigeria for the
first time and especially helping young girls achieve greatness in
future".
Younger
sister, Serena said: "I am proud to be part of the great journey to this
great country to support the country and encourage young girls to be
great."
The
Williams sisters stated that the sweet memories of their visit to Nigeria despite
all they have heard about the country will make them want to repeat the visit
again and again. The duo will visit schools today for inspirational talks to
young girls, attend a gala in the evening before the exhibition match tomorrow
at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.
The
Williams sisters had earlier in the day paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State
governor, Mr Raji Fashola at Marian Government House. Meanwhile, about two
hundred school children from various schools attended the coaching clinic
organised by the tennis section of Ikoyi Club 1938 as part of the tour of Lagos by the duo of
Serena and Venus Williams.
The
kids, who highly delighted by the presence of the international tennis icons
were taken through the rudiments of the game at the clubs tennis court and
witnessed by numerous tennis followers.
Speaking
with the children aged between 8 and 16 years, urged them to be focused and see
the game of tennis as an avenue to become somebody in life and that they need
total concentration if they really want to go far .
While
speaking, the Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938 Richard Giwa-Osagie said they were glad
to have the two great tennis players in the country and in the club in
particular.
The
captain, tennis section, Billy Joe Ekwunife having expressed gladness over the
visit informed that the idea was to encourage kids at the youth level and also
to have self confidence that nothing is impossible.
The
however could not hide their excitment at seeing the ladies as they milled
round them to take photographs.
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