The 2025 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis Championship, held at the prestigious Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, showcased a dazzling display of youthful talent and fierce competition. The tournament, which commenced with qualifying rounds at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, culminated in a thrilling finale that captivated spectators and stakeholders, underscoring the promising future of Nigerian tennis. Young prodigies from across the country battled it out on the court, delivering electrifying performances that left a lasting impression.
Mofi Atilola, the top-seeded defending champion in the girls’ U-14 category, emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest stars. Representing Mainland Tennis Club, Lagos, Atilola lived up to her billing with a commanding victory over Godwin Success. She dominated the match from the outset, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set before Success managed to salvage a single game. While the second set witnessed a more competitive exchange, with Success briefly leveling the score at 4-4, Atilola’s composure and superior skill ultimately prevailed, securing her the U-14 title with a final score of 6-1, 6-4.
Atilola’s remarkable tournament run extended beyond the U-14 category. Awarded a wild card entry into the girls’ U-16 draw, she engineered a stunning upset, defeating the defending champion and top seed, Gloria Samuel, in a decisive 6-1, 6-4 semifinal victory. This unexpected triumph added another layer of excitement to the already electrifying atmosphere. Despite her impressive run, Atilola’s quest for a second title fell short in the U-16 final against Goodnews Aina of Ekiti State, who emerged victorious with a score of 6-1, 6-3. Nevertheless, Atilola’s dual participation and impressive performances cemented her status as a rising star in Nigerian tennis.
The boys’ U-14 final provided a dramatic and unpredictable spectacle, featuring a thrilling encounter between Issah Yahaya and Lagos-based Michael Joel. Yahaya demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill, ultimately prevailing in a closely contested three-set match, with a final score of 6-0, 0-6, 10-5. His remarkable performance throughout the tournament earned him the coveted Boys’ Most Outstanding Player award, a testament to his potential and dedication to the sport.
Other age categories also witnessed impressive displays of talent and determination. In the boys’ U-12 final, Ogoniba Excellency of Bayelsa State displayed impressive form, defeating Ogun State’s Ogungbe Emmanuel with a score of 6-3, 6-4. The girls’ U-12 category showcased a similarly compelling match, with Opuene Karina staging a comeback from a set down to secure a hard-fought victory against Rasaki Mabubat, with the final score reading 3-6, 7-5, 10-9. This nail-biting finish highlighted the competitive spirit and resilience of the young athletes.
The 2025 CBN Junior Tennis Championship concluded with a well-deserved recognition of the tournament’s standout performers. Mofi Atilola, for her remarkable achievement of reaching two finals and securing the U-14 title, was crowned the Girls’ Most Outstanding Player. Issah Yahaya, the champion of the boys’ U-14 category, shared the spotlight as the Boys’ Most Outstanding Player. Both Atilola and Yahaya were presented with commemorative trophies, symbolizing their exceptional talent and potential to represent Nigeria on the international stage. The tournament not only served as a platform for showcasing young talent but also reaffirmed its role as a crucial breeding ground for nurturing the future stars of Nigerian tennis.
