The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is currently buzzing with excitement as the 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship officially begins. The tournament, which will run from July 21 to 26, 2025, is taking place at the Package ‘B’ Tennis Courts of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. As the main event draws near, qualifiers for the main draw are already underway, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
CBN Reaffirms Long-Standing Commitment to Youth and National Development
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the tournament, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment to national development through sports. She highlighted that the championship has remained a powerful platform for youth empowerment, offering young athletes the opportunity to channel their talents and passion into productive competition.
“This championship has created opportunities for young athletes, enabling them to express their God-given talents and showcase their abilities at a national level,” Mrs. Sidi Ali stated. “It also reflects the CBN’s belief in nurturing the next generation of leaders, not just in finance, but in sports and other sectors critical to Nigeria’s future.”
Four Decades of Legacy: Nigeria’s Premier Tennis Championship
Having spanned over four decades, the CBN Senior Tennis Championship holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s most prestigious and enduring tennis tournament. Since its inception, the event has consistently contributed to the growth of Nigerian tennis by identifying, grooming, and producing world-class players who have gone on to represent the country at international events such as the Davis Cup and the African Games.
Organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Tennis Federation, the championship continues to serve as a pipeline for developing homegrown talent. This year’s edition has already generated significant anticipation, with fans, players, and officials eagerly awaiting the main matches.
Notable Stars Emerged from CBN Tennis Legacy
Over the years, the championship has been instrumental in nurturing several elite players who have made their mark both locally and internationally. Renowned Nigerian tennis stars such as David Imonite, Sunday Maku, Veronica Oyibokia-Iwebema, Christy Agugbom, Sera Adegoke, Sylvester Emmanuel, Imeh Joseph, Oyinlomo Quadri, and Mary-Love Edwards all trace their roots to the CBN tennis platform.
These players represent a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire younger athletes participating in the tournament today. Their progression from local talent to international stars underscores the transformative impact of the championship on Nigeria’s sports landscape.
Tournament Structure: Singles, Doubles, and Wheelchair Categories
The 2025 edition of the tournament features an expanded draw that reflects its inclusive nature. The men’s singles category includes 64 players, while the women’s singles features 32 top contenders. Similarly, the men’s and women’s doubles events will each showcase 32 players. Moreover, the wheelchair tennis division adds an inspiring dimension to the competition, with 16 players each in both the men’s and women’s singles wheelchair events.
This inclusive structure highlights the championship’s dedication to providing equal opportunities across diverse athlete categories, making it one of the most comprehensive tennis events in West Africa.
High-Stakes Rivalry Expected in the Women’s Singles Category
While the men’s singles category is widely expected to deliver surprises due to its unpredictable nature, attention has sharply turned to the women’s singles event, which promises an electrifying contest between two top US-based Nigerian players: former champion Oyinlomo Quadri and current titleholder Mary-Love Edwards.
Both players have emerged as standout products of the CBN Junior Tennis Championship, having been discovered and nurtured at different stages of the junior circuit. Their remarkable rise to prominence illustrates the effectiveness of the CBN developmental tennis model, which grooms athletes from grassroots competitions to the senior national stage.
From Junior Circuit to National Icons: A Testament to Grassroots Investment
The progression of Quadri and Edwards from junior sensations to national champions is a clear reflection of the long-term investment by CBN in sports development. They dominated various levels of the junior tournament before asserting themselves in senior competitions. Now, with their eyes set on victory once again, their anticipated clash at this year’s championship promises to be one of the major highlights of the event.
Conclusion: A Championship Rooted in Legacy and Future Potential
As the 46th CBN Senior Tennis Championship unfolds, it does more than just spotlight talent—it reaffirms the importance of consistent investment in sports as a tool for youth development and national pride. The tournament continues to offer a platform where emerging stars can transition into global ambassadors for Nigeria, both on and off the court.
With its rich legacy, high-caliber competition, and growing reputation, the championship stands as a testament to how corporate support can shape the future of Nigerian sports. Tennis enthusiasts across the country are watching with great anticipation, eager to witness who will rise to claim victory and potentially step onto the global stage.
