Joel Ajayi
The 47th edition of the CBN National Open Tennis Championship has commenced in Abuja, with preliminary matches already underway at the tennis courts of Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) confirmed that the main draw of the prestigious tournament will begin on Monday, featuring competitions in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, as well as wheelchair tennis for both male and female categories.
Top Nigerian players, including defending men’s singles champion Emmanuel Michael and reigning women’s singles champion Adesuwa Osabuohien, are expected to compete for national honours and aim to retain their titles.
The tournament follows closely after the successful conclusion of the ITF J30 Junior Circuit held in Abuja, which attracted young players from 14 countries and further boosted Nigeria’s profile in international tennis.
NTF President Victor Ochei commended stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the junior tournament, particularly praising the National Sports Commission under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade for their continued support for tennis development.
Ochei noted that the federation remains committed to sustaining the standards set during the ITF J30 event while ensuring that the CBN National Open continues to serve as a platform for nurturing emerging talents and strengthening the country’s tennis ecosystem.
He expressed optimism that ongoing developmental programmes would enhance opportunities for Nigerian players to compete effectively at both national and international levels.
The recently concluded ITF J30 tournament featured participants from countries including Nigeria, the United States, Great Britain, China, Canada, Cameroon, India, France, and others. Nigeria’s Success Ogunjobi emerged winner of the girls’ singles, while China’s Chui Hengzhi claimed the boys’ title.
With momentum from the junior circuit, expectations are high that the CBN National Open will further consolidate Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for tennis development in Africa.
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