From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The sponsor of the annual National Open Tennis Championship, Davnotch, has showered encomiums on the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), the participating players, and officials, in addition to the security and near-perfect logistics that made the fifth edition of the tournament held in Abuja last weekend a huge success.
Speaking on the sidelines at the end of the tournament, the representatives of the sponsor, Nkem Osu and Ben Anazia, admitted that they were impressed with arrangements that produced a historic tournament.
While Daniel Adeleye emerged the winner of the Men’s Singles category, Success Ogunjobi won the Women’s Singles after nerve-wracking performances that confirm the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
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While appraising the tournament, the representatives of the sponsors said: “Compared to the previous editions, this is an improvement. It could be better, but we are impressed. We are satisfied with the officiating, the effort of the federation, and the security. What the players have done today is quite satisfactory.”
On the next line of action, Davnotch noted: “We had an initial contract for five years, and we have done the five years. The management of Davnotch will take a decision on whether to renew the contract. We are looking forward to a greater relationship with NTF.”
They also reflected on the biggest takeaway from the tournament, stressing: “We have had good players emerging from this tournament. Very practically was our most recent discovery, Ikenna Okonkwo, who is doing very well participating in tournaments across the globe.
“He played the semi-finals in singles in Mexico and played doubles finals. And then he had the tournament a few days ago in Tunisia. He should be airborne about now, heading back to Nigeria.
“Ikenna Okonkwo is our biggest discovery so far, among lots of others that I cannot immediately remember,” they said.
Meanwhile, President of NTF, Ifedayo Akindoju, has commended the outstanding performance of the players at the tournament, singling out the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Singles for commendation over their impressive displays.
While describing their performances as a testament to the growth of tennis in Nigeria, the NTF boss told sports writers that: “Adeleye’s back-to-back victories reflect his dedication and immense potential, while Ogunjobi’s dominance in the women’s singles underscores the rapid progress of female players in Nigerian tennis.”
“Ogunjobi’s commanding performance highlights her growing stature in the sport. She is currently on her way to Zimbabwe to participate in three weeks of International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior events,” he added.
Akindoju revealed that the federation will commence arrangements to appeal to Davnotch to renew its sponsorship and support of tennis development in the country.
“Our partnership with Davnotch has been crucial. We are grateful and plan to honour the company with a gold award in recognition of their contributions,” he said.
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