As the intensity builds at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF); Gateway Games 2024 taking place in Ogun State, Nigeria’s tennis faithful are focused on one standout name: Christopher Bulus.
The US-based professional and Nigeria’s current No. 1 seed is back home, aiming to dominate the courts and deliver gold for the host state.
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In this exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Bulus shares his motivations, confidence, and the deeper meaning behind competing in his first-ever National Sports Festival, on home soil, no less.
“It’s close to home” – On competing in Ogun
Reflecting on his return to Nigeria and his appearance at the festival, Bulus expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Ogun State.
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“It’s been great. I’m just happy to be here. I got the call a long time ago from the coach to represent the state,” Bulus said.
“It was an honour. The state is very close to Lagos, where I grew up, so it’s close to home. I’m just excited to be back here competing.”
Representing the host state
Despite this being his debut appearance at the NSF, Bulus is thrilled to wear the colours of the host state, an opportunity many athletes never get.
“It means a lot for me because, like I said earlier, it’s my first festival. I’ve been away from the country for a while. Playing for the host state is also a great honour,” he said.
“Just to be in your first festival and playing for the home state; that’s not something everybody gets to do. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
“I want to win the whole thing” – On his goal
Bulus made no secret of his ambitions for the tournament; his eyes are firmly set on gold.
“I feel like every athlete wants to win. That’s not different for me. I want to win the whole thing,” he stated.
“I know everybody will be out there trying to compete against the best players. I’m also out there competing against the best players. I’m looking forward to being the champion.”
“I’m the one to beat” – On his confidence and status
With the confidence befitting a top seed, Bulus declared his readiness to lead from the front.
“Right now, of course, I do. I’m the number one seed. I’m the one to beat. I’m looking forward to the competition.”
“Feels like home” – On the Ogun experience
Having grown up in Lagos, Bulus says being in Ogun feels familiar and comforting.
“It’s been great. I landed first in Lagos, where I grew up. I spent a couple of days there before I came down here,” he said.
“Being in a Western state; same language, similar culture, I feel like home too. I’m just glad that I’m here. I love Ogun State.”
“Excited to be back”
This tournament marks Bulus’s first competitive appearance since February, but he remains upbeat about his form.
“It’s been good. I haven’t played in a lot of events. The few that I played have been great. In January and February, I played the Davis Cup,” he explained.
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“We had great success, and I took time off. This is my first event since late February. I’m excited to be back competing.”
“I’ve been training”
Although he’s returning from a brief competitive break, Bulus insists his fitness is intact.
“I’ve been training. I just haven’t been competing. So yeah, I think I’m good to go.”
“Summer will be busy”
After the Games, Bulus plans to ramp up his competitive schedule with international events lined up.
“I’m trying to use the summer to set up a regime. We play a lot of tournaments. We have the Davis Cup coming up in August,” he said.
“I have some professional events down in the States, which I’m planning to play starting July of the summer as well.”
Message to the home fans
With home advantage and local support behind him, Bulus is determined to make Ogun proud.
“Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to winning medals for you guys.”*
With his sharp serve, solid mindset, and star power, Christopher Bulus is more than just a participant at Gateway Games 2024; he’s a title favourite, a fan favourite, and a force to be reckoned with. The road to gold goes through him.
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