Abubakar Yusuf crowned his remarkable campaign with the men’s singles title, Success Ogunjobi produced a stunning comeback to win the women’s singles crown, while Andrea Usoh emerged champion in the women’s wheelchair category as the sixth edition of the DavNotch Nigeria Limited Total Engineering Solutions Tennis Championship came to a successful close in Abuja.
The championship, which featured men’s and women’s singles, doubles and wheelchair events, ended with DavNotch announcing a major increase in prize money for future editions as part of its long-term commitment to tennis development in Nigeria.
Key Highlights:
- Abubakar Yusuf won the men’s singles title, defeating defending champion Canice Abua.
- Success Ogunjobi claimed the women’s singles title after a comeback victory.
- Andrea Usoh won the women’s wheelchair singles championship.
- DavNotch doubled the men’s winner’s prize to ₦1 million and increased the women’s prize to ₦800,000.
- The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to developing tennis in Nigeria.
Yusuf fulfilled a long-held ambition by defeating Nigeria’s number one player and defending champion, Canice Abua, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3 in a thrilling men’s singles final.
Reflecting on the victory, Yusuf described Abua as his idol and said years of defeats inspired his determination to finally triumph.
“He is my idol. We’ve been playing for the past six years and he has been beating me, but today I said it was a do-or-die affair. I capitalised on my opportunities and was able to beat him,” Yusuf said.
He added that confidence was the deciding factor in the final.
“I was 100 percent confident because if my confidence dropped even one percent, I knew he would take advantage. I stayed focused because I know what he can do.”
Yusuf also revealed that making Nigeria’s Davis Cup team remains his next major target, saying the DavNotch Championship provided the ideal platform to prove himself.
In the women’s singles final, Ogunjobi came from a set down to defeat Etoro Bassey 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, avenging her defeat to the same opponent just a week earlier.
“I feel excited because I lost to the same player last week. To come back and win today makes this title very special for me,” Ogunjobi said.
The wheelchair event also showcased outstanding talent, with Andrea Usoh defeating Vivian Ozurunmba 6-3, 6-1 to lift the women’s wheelchair singles title.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Managing Director of DavNotch Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ochei, applauded the discipline, determination and sportsmanship displayed by the players throughout the tournament.
“For us at DavNotch, it gives us joy because we are committed to inclusivity and the growth and development of tennis in Nigeria.
“Over the past six editions, we have witnessed tremendous improvement, and I want to thank the president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, the secretary-general and the entire organising team for putting together another successful championship,” Ochei said.
Read also:
- Kano Pillars Stage Stunning Comeback As NSCDC Return To Winning Ways On Day 9 Of CGC Volleyball Premier League
- Defence Spikers, CNS Spikers, Customs Dominate Day 8 Of CGC Volleyball Premier League
- Day 7 Shockers: NSCDC Dethrone Unbeaten CNS Spikers In CGC Volleyball Premier League
He announced that the men’s singles winner’s prize has been increased from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million, while the women’s singles champion will now receive ₦800,000.
“This is just the beginning. DavNotch is committed to this tournament as a long-term project, and we hope more partners will come on board to help develop tennis in Nigeria,” he said.
Ochei added that the company’s vision is to help produce future Nigerian stars capable of competing alongside the world’s best, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams.
He also paid tribute to the immediate past President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Dayo Akindoju, describing him as the pioneer who laid the foundation for the championship.
In the doubles events, Canice Abua and Musa Mohammed won the men’s doubles title after defeating Matthew Abamu and Michael Emmanuel 7-6(0), 7-5, while Goodnews Aina and Success Ogunjobi claimed the women’s doubles crown with a 6-4, 7-6(1) victory over Khadijat Mohammed and Mary Udofa.
