Michael Emmanuel and Adesuwa Osabuohien on Saturday emerged champions in the men’s and women’s singles categories respectively, at the 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Open Tennis Championship in Abuja.

The championship held at the Tennis Court of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, was organised by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) and sponsored by the CBN.

In the men’s singles final, Emmanuel, who showed resilience and tactical brilliance, delivered a commanding performance to defeat tennis prodigy, Ikenna Okonkwo, in a thrilling 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 display.

The women’s singles final saw Adesuwa Osabuohien come from behind to defeat Emmanuel Essien 2-1 in a rain-interrupted final.

After dropping the first set, Osabuohien rallied to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to claim the title.

Osabuohien started her campaign by beating Khadijat Salami 2-0, RTD in the round of 32, and also defeated Timipre Maxwell 6-2, 6-0 in round of 16.

She won against Mary Udofa 6-2, 6-1 in the quarterfinals and later overpowered Blessing Omotayo 6-1, 7-5 in the semi-finals to reach the final.

On her part, Essien started her campaign by beating Bajo Punriniman 4-2, 4-0 in the Round of 32. She defeated Blessing Otu 6-3, 6-3 in the Round of 16.

She won against Blessing Etoro 6-2, 7-5 in the quarterfinals, and struggled to beat Aina Goodnews 6-4, 6-3 to reach the final.

Speaking at the closing, President of the NTF, Ifedayo Akindoju, lauded the CBN for sponsoring the tournament after two years miss.

He said, “The CBN has been a strong pillar for tennis growth in the country. This tournament continues to provide a vital platform for our athletes to grow and compete at the highest level.’’

Also, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said that the championship had seen men and women rise from obscurity to become national and international champions.

Mr Cardoso, who was represented by CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to nurturing talents, promoting excellence and supporting initiatives that foster unity and development.

Mr Cardoso said, “In furtherance of our vision, the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament was launched in 2006 to serve as a nursery for grooming young talents who would graduate to this prestigious Senior Open. I am pleased to note that some of today’s senior finalists were once champions on that junior stage, a true testament to the value of continuity and investment in youth. Beyond the courts, the CBN remains passionate about the holistic development of Nigerian youth.

“We recognise sports as a powerful platform not just for entertainment but for empowerment, engagement and national integration. This belief drives our numerous youth-focused initiatives such as, Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP), MSME Development Fund (MSMEDF), Agri-Business/SME Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) and so on.’’

Canice Abua and Micheal Emmanuel won the men’s doubles after beating Thomas Otu and Abubakar Yusuf 6-4, 6-0 in the final on Friday.

Goodnews Aina and Favour Moses won the women’s doubles with a commanding 7-5, 7-5 defeat of Blessing Anuna and Rebecca Ekpeyong 7-5, 7-5 in the final, also on Friday.

The 46th edition of the CBN Tennis Championship once again affirmed its status as one of Nigeria’s premier sporting events, drawing top talents and reinforcing the importance of long-term investment in grassroots and elite tennis development.

The CBN senior open tennis championship in Abuja which began on July 18, ended on Saturday. 

(NAN)