Joel Ajayi
The Managing Director of DavNotch Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ochei, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing more tennis champions in Nigeria, declaring that talent development remains the core objective of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the grand finale of the sixth edition of the championship in Abuja on Friday, Ochei said the tournament has continued to serve as a major platform for discovering, nurturing and elevating young tennis talents across the country.
According to him, the championship, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation, has attracted over 1,000 participants since its inception in 2021, with several former participants rising to become national champions and prominent figures in Nigerian tennis.
“Our mission has always been clear—to create opportunities and raise champions who can compete at the highest level. This championship has grown from a promising initiative into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious privately sponsored tournaments,” Ochei said.
He noted that the competition has played a key role in improving the quality of tennis in Nigeria, adding that the country’s return to the Davis Cup World Group II after nearly four decades reflects the progress being made in the sport.
In a major boost for future editions, Ochei announced plans to significantly increase prize money and improve welfare packages for players, coaches, officials, umpires and ball kids.
“We want this championship to become one of the most rewarding and professionally organised tennis tournaments in Africa, while ensuring everyone involved is properly valued and supported,” he stated.
Ochei also stressed the importance of inclusivity, highlighting the continued inclusion of wheelchair tennis as part of efforts to provide opportunities for athletes living with disabilities.
He paid tribute to late former NTF President, Ifedayo Akindoju, describing him as a visionary leader whose support helped establish the credibility of the championship from the very beginning.
Representing NTF President Victor Ochei, Vice President Owoseni Adeyemi commended DavNotch Nigeria Limited for sustaining its investment in tennis over six consecutive years.
Adeyemi expressed optimism that the partnership between DavNotch and the federation would continue for decades, while highlighting reforms such as the nationwide digital player registration system and grassroots development initiatives.
He also revealed plans to immortalise Akindoju by naming the centre court of the National Tennis Centre after him in recognition of his immense contributions to Nigerian tennis.
Speaking on behalf of the players, defending women’s singles champion Success Ogunjobi praised DavNotch and the federation for creating valuable competitive opportunities and called for more tournaments throughout the year to accelerate player development.
The sixth edition of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship will conclude on Saturday in Abuja with the finals and closing ceremony, marking another successful chapter in the tournament’s growing legacy of producing future champions for Nigeria.
