Top-ranked players continued their impressive runs at the 2026 DavNotch Open Tennis Championship in Abuja as the tournament moved into its decisive stages at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The championship has produced a series of thrilling encounters across the men’s singles, doubles and wheelchair categories, with several matches decided by narrow margins and championship tie-breaks.
In the men’s singles event, top seed Canice Abua strengthened his title ambitions by reaching the quarter-finals. He opened his campaign with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Dahiru Muhammed before edging Suleiman Ibrahim 4-1, 2-4, 10-8 in a closely contested match.
Matthew Abamu also secured a place in the last eight after defeating Abdulsalam Muhammed 6-3, 6-3.
Stephen James delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament, overcoming Thomas Otu 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(5) before recording another hard-fought victory to advance.
Sixth seed Yahaya Sani-Inabo progressed comfortably with a 6-4, 6-1 win, while third seed Michael Emmanuel battled past Sylvanous Ajang 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Elsewhere, Yau Sani recovered from a set down to defeat Mevi Irrimiya 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, while David John advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 victory.
Eighth seed Abubakar Yusuf maintained his strong form, defeating Ezekiel Azi 6-1, 6-0 before advancing past Ayomide Folorunsho. Lucky Danjuma also moved into the next round after victories over Peter Egena and Rasheed Mamud.
Fifth seed Musa Mohammed survived a tough challenge from Abayomi Philips, winning 7-5, 1-6, 7-6(4), while wildcard entrant Seyi Ogunsakin recorded an upset victory over Saidu Sani-Inabo.
In the men’s doubles category, Canice Abua and Suleiman Ibrahim advanced with a 4-2, 4-0 victory over Dahiru Muhammed and his partner.
Musa Mohammed and Abdulsalam Muhammed also progressed after a marathon contest that ended 4-1, 1-4, 14-12.
David Edward and Ayomiposi Dayok remained in contention after securing a 5-4(5), 4-2 victory, while the pair of Abubakar Yusuf and Yahaya Sani-Inabo advanced with a series of strong performances.
In the women’s doubles event, Favour Aina and Success Bassey continued their title push with dominant victories. Jesutoyosi Adeusi and Goodnews Salami also progressed after overcoming determined opposition.
Nenrot Suwa and Prosper Omotayo reached the semi-finals following a consistent run, while Khadijat Mohammed and Loveth Udofa also booked places in the final four.
The wheelchair events continued to produce impressive displays.
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In the women’s singles category, top seed Chituru Nwaozuzu advanced through the draw, while Helen Onogbe defeated Pepsuzi Aluko 4-1, 4-1 after receiving a walkover in the previous round.
Vivian Ozurunmba progressed to the semi-finals with victories over Jumoke Adedeji and other opponents, while Chika Enwerem and second seed Andrea Usoh advanced without major difficulty.
In the men’s wheelchair singles event, Lucky Olaosebikan, Promise Vershima, Pelumi Odunuga, Razak Bankole, Mende Yusuf and Felix Abel were among the players who advanced as the competition approached the semi-final stage.
With quarter-final and semi-final matches now underway, the championship continues to showcase some of Nigeria’s finest tennis talents, offering players valuable ranking points, prize money and an opportunity to strengthen their positions on the domestic circuit.
Attention will now turn to whether the top seeds can maintain their dominance or if the tournament will produce surprise champions as it nears its conclusion.
