Despite the absence of the reigning men’s and women’s singles champions, top-tier tennis action took center stage at the 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) National Open Tennis Championship, held over the weekend at Package ‘B’ of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Emmanuel Michael and Chicago-based Adesuwa Osabuohien rose above expectations to clinch the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively. In a thrilling final, Emmanuel outlasted Prosper Okonkwo in a hard-fought three-set encounter, winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to claim the championship and the accompanying cash prize.
Meanwhile, Adesuwa staged an impressive comeback after dropping the first set to defeat Omotayo Blessing 3-6, 5-1, 6-4 and secure her place as the women’s singles champion.
In her closing remarks, the Deputy Governor for Corporate Services at the CBN, Emen Usoro—represented by Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali—reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing commitment to youth development through sports.
She noted that for over four decades, the CBN has remained a steadfast sponsor of the tournament and has also expanded its impact with the introduction of a junior tennis edition in 2006. Usoro emphasized that sports, beyond entertainment, serve as a tool for empowerment, engagement, and fostering national unity.
