Top-seeded players lived up to expectations as the 2026 CBN Tennis Championship gathered momentum at the tennis courts of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with impressive performances recorded in both the men’s and women’s singles events.
Key Highlights:
- Top seeds advanced in the 2026 CBN Tennis Championship in Abuja.
- Canice Abua and other leading men’s seeds won their opening matches.
- Khadijat Mohammed, Bright Emmanuel-Essien, and other top women’s seeds also progressed.
- Several matches produced thrilling three-set comebacks and closely contested battles.
- The race for quarterfinal spots is intensifying as the tournament continues.
The championship, which commenced on June 12 and will run until June 20, has attracted some of Nigeria’s finest tennis talents competing for honours in one of the country’s premier domestic championships.
In the men’s singles event, top seed Canice Abua opened his campaign in style on Monday, defeating Nuhu Urenyang 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the next round.
Second seed Daniel Adeleye also progressed comfortably after seeing off Yohannah Yakubu 6-1, 6-4, while third seed Emmanuel Micheal produced a dominant display to dispatch Aminu Ibrahim 6-1, 6-1.
Fourth seed Lucky Danjuma joined the list of advancing favourites after overcoming Isaac Danjuma 6-0, 7-5 in a convincing performance.
Other seeded players who successfully negotiated their opening hurdles included sixth seed Yahaya Sani-Inabo, who defeated Ayomiposi Agboola 6-2, 6-2, and eighth seed Abubakar Yusuf, who cruised past Gbolahan Oladipupo 6-1, 6-1.
The men’s draw also produced several entertaining contests. Mevi Irimiya fought back from a set down to defeat Seyi Ogunsakin 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-1, while Alpha Ahli edged Mohammed Abdullahi 6-2, 6-7(1), 6-4 in one of the most closely fought matches of the day.
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Ayomide Foluronsho demonstrated resilience to overcome David Aper 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, while Joseph Jimoh battled past Saidu Sani-Inabo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in another thrilling three-set encounter.
Among other notable results, Mathew Abamu defeated Chima Micheal 7-5, 7-6(0), Dahiru Muhammed recorded a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Mohd, while David Edward advanced with a 6-4, 7-5 win against Mubarak Ganiyu.
In the women’s singles category, top seed Khadijat Mohammed began her title quest with confidence as she launched her campaign against Timipre Maxwell.
Second seed Bright Emmanuel-Essien delivered one of the standout performances of the round, defeating Punariman Bajo 6-1, 6-4 to secure passage into the next stage.
Third seed Nenrot Suwa was pushed hard by wildcard Emmanuella Kwange before emerging victorious 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in a hard-fought encounter.
Fourth seed Mary Udofa was in commanding form, recording a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory over Omotayo Ibrahim-Jatto, while fifth seed Etoro Bassey also advanced comfortably after defeating Khadijat Salami 6-1, 6-0.
Wildcard Toluwalase Agunbiade impressed with a straight-sets 6-3, 6-4 win over Destiny Tomizayi, while Emmanuella Kelvin-Bebe secured a 6-1, 6-3 victory against Blessing Otu.
One of the most dramatic matches in the women’s draw saw Gloria Samuel recover from a one-set deficit to defeat wildcard Jesutoyosi Adeusi 0-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), showcasing remarkable determination to progress.
Sixth seed Success Ogunjobi also enjoyed a comfortable outing, easing past Bumi Are 6-0, 6-0 to continue her quest for the title.
With several top seeds safely through to the next round and a number of thrilling matches already entertaining spectators, the battle for quarterfinal places is intensifying at the CBN Tennis Championship.
As the tournament enters its decisive stages, attention will be on whether the leading seeds can maintain their dominance or if the competition will produce further surprises on the road to championship glory.
