Canice Abua and Itoro Bassey, during the weekend, emerged as winners of the 47th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Open Tennis Championship in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, which was held at the tennis courts Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In an entertaining match that drew applause from spectators who were glued to their seats throughout the encounter, Abua, Nigeria’s top-ranked tennis player, dispatched defending champion, Emmanuel Michael by 6-1, 6-2 to win his maiden CBN Senior Open title. Also, in the female category, fifth seed Bassey produced a stunning comeback to defeat Success Ogunjobi 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.
In their separate remarks, the new champions, while commending the sponsors, the CBN for the support and the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) for providing the platform to display their talents, described their victories as milestones and said it will push them further, and they will not rest on their oars to become better players.
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Speaking during the closing ceremony remarks, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the bank is keen and determined to use sports as an avenue to discover talents, empower the youths and also to promote national unity.
Represented by the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank chief said, “For more than four decades, the CBN has stood as a proud sponsor and unwavering supporter of this championship. Our 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. 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.”
The representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Development (FEAD), Mrs Mbora Ikana, described the championship as one of Nigeria’s most enduring sporting events, commending the apex bank for its unrelenting efforts in sponsoring the competition and providing a viable platform for youths to display their skills and talents to the world.
