The absence of the men’s and women’s singles defending champions notwithstanding, the best of tennis was really on display at the 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria National Open Tennis Championship at the package ‘B’ of the Moshood Abiola stadium, Abuja, at the weekend.
Emmanuel Michael and Chicago-based Adesuwa Osabuohien surpassed all odds to emerge champions of the 2025 Central Bank of Nigeria National Open men’s and women’s championship.
Playing in the men’s singles category, Emmanuel defeated hard fighting Prosper Okonkwo, 2-1 ( 7-5, 2-6, 6-3) to lift the trophy and carted home the star prize attached to it while Chicago-based Adesuwa Osabuohien came from a set down to stop Omotayo blessing, 2-1 also ( 3-6, 5-1, 6-4 ) to emerge victorious.
In her closing remarks, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Emen Usoro, represented by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama SIdi Ali, said for over four decades, the CBN has remained consistent since this tournament came on stream even with the introduction of the junior tennis tournament in 2006 which serves as catch them young programme for the Senior championships.
She said the bank remain passionate about the holistic development of the Nigerian youth even as the bank recognises sports as a powerful platform not just for entertainment but for empowerment, engagement and National integration, adding that the apex bank is out to encourage Nigerians to explore and benefit from the opportunities the CBN provides.
