DavNotch Nigeria Limited has announced plans to increase prize money and welfare packages for players, coaches, officials, umpires and ball kids in future editions of its National Open Tennis Championship as the sixth edition heads for its grand finale in Abuja.
Speaking at a pre-final press briefing, the company’s Managing Director, Emmanuel Ocheli, said the championship, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading privately sponsored tennis tournaments since its inception in 2021.
He noted that over 1,000 players have featured in six editions, producing national champions such as Kanis Abua and Ito Robasi, while also contributing to Nigeria’s return to the Davis Cup World Group II after nearly four decades and promoting inclusiveness through wheelchair tennis.
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Ocheli paid tribute to late former NTF President, Ifedayo Akindoju, for helping establish the tournament, commended the leadership of the current NTF President, Victor Ochei, and reaffirmed DavNotch’s commitment to making the championship one of Africa’s best professionally organised tennis events.
Representing Ochei, the NTF Vice President, Owoseni Adeyemi praised DavNotch for six years of consistent investment in Nigerian tennis and expressed hope the partnership would last for decades.
He highlighted reforms introduced by the federation, including a digital player registration system, grassroots development programmes, Nigeria’s historic Davis Cup promotion after defeating Uzbekistan, the successful hosting of the 2026 ITF J30 Junior Circuit, and the CBN National Open Championship.
He also announced plans to name the centre court of the National Tennis Centre after the late Akindoju.
Speaking on behalf of the players, defending women’s singles champion, Success Ogunjobi thanked DavNotch and the federation for creating more competitive opportunities.
Similarly,Nigeria’s wheelchair tennis captain, Wasiu Yusuf, appealed for more open tournaments to help wheelchair players improve their rankings.
Responding, DavNotch assured players of improved welfare in future editions while stressing that disciplined athletes would remain a priority.
The sixth edition of the championship concludes on Saturday with the finals and closing ceremony in Abuja.
