A new generation of champions emerged at the 47th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship, which concluded in Abuja at the weekend, marking a significant shift in the country’s tennis landscape.
Eighteen-year-old Etoro Bassey announced her arrival on the big stage by capturing the women’s singles title in her maiden appearance at the championship. The Akwa Ibom-born player rallied from a set down to defeat two-time ITF Junior champion Success Ogunjobi 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 in a thrilling final.
Bassey attributed her victory to resilience under pressure, saying the early challenges she faced in the match strengthened her resolve. “She gave me a tough time, especially because my backhand wasn’t working well at the beginning. That made me stronger and I knew I had to accept the challenge and keep fighting,” Bassey said. She dedicated the title to her father and the coaches at Jeans Tennis Academy.
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In the men’s singles, Nigeria’s number-one ranked player and tournament top seed, Abua Canice, ended his wait for a CBN crown with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 demolition of defending champion Michael Akpan Emmanuel. The Davis Cup star, described the triumph as a reward for perseverance. “As far as tennis is concerned, this is just the beginning of my reign,” Canice said, before turning his attention to Nigeria’s upcoming Davis Cup qualifier against Morocco.
Representing CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso at the closing ceremony, Acting Director of Corporate Communications Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali commended players and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth development through sports. Cardoso pledged that the apex bank would continue to sponsor the championship in the overall interest of the nation.
Meanwhile, new champions also emerged in the doubles events. Canice paired with Mohammed Musa to defeat the pair of Akpan Emmanuel and Sylvanus Ajano in the men’s doubles, while Khadijat Mohammed and Success Ogunjobi beat Etoro Bassey and Favour James 6-2, 6-7(2), 10-6 to claim the women’s doubles crown. In the wheelchair events, Adewale Alex and Usoh Andrea successfully defended their respective men’s and women’s singles titles.
