By Andrew Abah
The Managing Director of DavNotch Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ochei has announced plans to increase prize money and players’ incentives in future editions of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship as the tournament continues to strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s leading privately sponsored tennis competitions.
Ochei made the announcement on Friday during a press briefing ahead of the grand finale of the sixth edition of the championship in Abuja, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the long-term development of tennis in Nigeria.
He described the tournament, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), as a major platform for talent discovery, player development and sporting excellence since its inception in 2021.
“As we prepare for the grand finale, we celebrate another remarkable milestone in Nigerian tennis. This championship has grown from a promising initiative into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious privately sponsored tennis tournaments, providing opportunities for talented players to compete, improve their rankings and pursue careers in professional tennis,” Ocheli said.
According to him, more than 1,000 players have participated in the competition over six editions, with several graduates of the tournament emerging as national champions and key figures in Nigerian tennis.
Among the notable players produced by the championship are current national men’s champion Kanis Abua and reigning women’s national champion Ito Robasi. Previous winners include Joseph Ime (2021), David Epeyo (2023), Daniel Adeleye (2024 and 2025), Mwinyi Lomokadri (2021 and 2022), Marylove Edwards (2023), Anu Ayegbusi (2024), while Success Ogunjobi is the defending women’s singles champion.
Ocheli also highlighted the tournament’s contribution to Nigeria’s return to the Davis Cup World Group II after nearly four decades, noting that the country is now preparing for its next tie against Morocco.
He said the introduction of wheelchair tennis into the championship reflects DavNotch’s commitment to inclusiveness and equal opportunities for athletes living with disabilities.
The DavNotch MD paid tribute to the late former NTF President, Engineer Ifedayo Akindoju, who died in October 2025, describing him as a visionary administrator whose support was instrumental in establishing the credibility of the championship from its inaugural edition.
He also commended the current NTF President, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, and the federation’s board for sustaining the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
Ocheli announced that future editions of the championship would feature significantly improved prize money and welfare packages for players, coaches, officials, umpires and ball kids.
“Our determination is to make this championship one of the most rewarding and professionally organised tennis tournaments on the African continent while prioritising the welfare of everyone involved,” he stated.
He also praised coaches, technical officials, players and members of the media for their contributions to the growth and increasing popularity of the competition.
Representing NTF President Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei at the briefing, the federation’s Vice President, Owoseni Adeyemi, apologised for the president’s absence due to official engagements and delivered his address.
Adeyemi praised DavNotch Nigeria Limited for six consecutive years of investment in Nigerian tennis, expressing hope that the partnership would endure for decades.
“We hope that as we celebrate the sixth edition today, the Nigeria Tennis Federation will someday celebrate six decades of DavNotch’s sponsorship,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the federation, Adeyemi highlighted several reforms introduced by the current administration since assuming office about a year ago. These include the establishment of a comprehensive digital player registration system to create a reliable national database, as well as renewed emphasis on grassroots tennis development across the country.
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