By Jude Opara
Nigeria’s number one tennis player, Canice Abua over the weekend emerged the winner of the senior open tennis championship sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in conjunction with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (ITF).
The event took place at the central court of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.
Abua who has put up a superlative performance defeated his rival and Nigeria’s number three ranked player, Emmanuel Michael in two straight sets of 6-2, 6-1.
In the women’s singles category, Itoro Bassey overpowered her challenger, Success Ogunjobi in two straight sets of 6-1, 6-4.
In his address, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardeso, who was represented by the Head Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali said the apex bank has sponsored the championship in the past 47 years because of its decision to empower the Nigerian youths.
Cardeso further stated that the commitment stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of sports, particularly tennis, as a platform for discovering talent, shaping character, and fostering national unity.
“Over the years, this tournament has produced champions who have risen from humble beginnings to achieve national and international acclaim. This legacy of excellence is one we cherish and continue to nurture.
“In furtherance of this vision, the CBN launched the Junior Tennis Tournament in 2006 to serve as a nursery for grooming young talents. Today, we are delighted to see some of our senior finalists who once graced that junior stage. Their journey is a testament to the value of continuity, mentorship, and investment in youth development.
“Beyond the courts, the CBN remains passionate about the holistic development of Nigerian youth. We see sports not merely as entertainment but as a powerful tool for empowerment, engagement, and national integration. By supporting initiatives such as this championship, we reaffirm our dedication to building a stronger, healthier, and more united Nigeria”.
The CBN boss also urged the winners to always be encouraged and motivated to greater heights by simply remembering the momentous event where they triumphed, just as those who failed to win were encouraged to keep pushing in diligence.
“To our new champions, congratulations. Wear your titles with pride and let them propel you to greater heights. To those who did not win today, remember that every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback. Keep striving, for your journey is far from over”.
He equally reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the CBN to nurture talent, promote excellence, and support initiatives that foster unity, discipline, and national development.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who was represented by a staff of the Commission, Madam Mbora Ikana thanked the CBN for the initiative of sponsoring the tournament every year for the past 47 years.
He noted that the essence of sports is to take the young ones out of crime and described the CBN as a dependable partner of government in the quest to create opportunities for the young ones to thrive using sports.
Addressing newsmen after being crowned as the winner, Abua who was full of excitement said the victory will spur him to give his best in subsequent championships both within and outside the country.
He equally thanked the CBN for the opportunity and charged other well placed individuals and organizations to emulate the apex bank by taking up the sponsorship of other sports for the youths to participate in.
Also in the Wheelchair category Udoh Andria emerges the winner after defeating Enwerem Chika.
In the men’s Wheelchair event, Alex Adewale was the winner after his victory over Bankole Razaq.
For the Women’s double category, Ogunjobi Success and Khdijat Mohammed won the trophy after overpowering Bassey Itoro and James Etebo.
