The 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship is set to commence on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the tennis courts of Package “B” of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria. The tournament will feature both men’s and women’s singles and doubles competitions, as well as a wheelchair category. Singles matches will kick off the tournament, with the men’s singles comprising a round of 64 and the women’s singles a round of 32. Doubles events, including men’s, women’s, and wheelchair, will begin on Tuesday, July 22nd, and will be contested in a round of 16 format. The championship, which began with qualifying rounds on Friday, July 18th, will culminate on Saturday, July 26th, marking the culmination of a week of intense tennis action.
The CBN Senior Tennis Championship has become a prominent fixture in the Nigerian tennis calendar, attracting top players from across the country. This year’s edition promises to be no different, with several notable names expected to compete for the coveted titles. Among the leading contenders are Sylvester Emmanuel and Imeh Joseph in the men’s draw, while Aanu Aiyegbusi, Oyinlomo Quadri, and defending women’s singles champion Mary-Love Edward headline the women’s field. These players, along with other talented competitors, will bring their skills and experience to the court, ensuring a high level of competition and exciting matches throughout the tournament.
The CBN’s ongoing support for the championship underscores the apex bank’s commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria. Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications for CBN, reaffirmed the bank’s continued dedication to the tournament, highlighting its importance in fostering sporting talent and promoting healthy competition. Through its sponsorship, the CBN plays a vital role in providing a platform for Nigerian tennis players to showcase their abilities and compete at a national level, thereby contributing to the growth and advancement of the sport within the country.
The tournament structure provides a pathway for players to progress through the various rounds. In the men’s singles, the 64 players will compete in a knockout format, with each match determining which player advances to the next round. Similarly, the women’s singles will see 32 players vying for the title, facing off in a single-elimination format. The doubles events, including men’s, women’s, and wheelchair, will follow a similar structure, with 16 pairs competing in each category, also in a knockout format. This format ensures that only the most skilled and resilient players will reach the final stages of the competition, adding to the excitement and prestige of the championship.
The Package “B” tennis courts of the Moshood Abiola Stadium will serve as the venue for the tournament, providing a suitable setting for this prestigious event. The stadium, a multi-purpose sports complex located in Abuja, offers modern facilities and ample space to accommodate the players, officials, and spectators. This venue choice ensures that the tournament will be conducted in a professional and conducive environment, further enhancing the overall experience for all involved. The atmosphere generated by the fans and the energy of the competition will undoubtedly contribute to the excitement and intensity of the matches.
The 46th CBN Senior Tennis Championship holds great promise for showcasing the talent and competitiveness of Nigerian tennis. With a strong field of players, a well-structured tournament format, and the continued support of the CBN, the stage is set for a thrilling week of tennis action. The championship offers an opportunity for players to test their skills against the best in the country, gain valuable experience, and strive for national recognition. As the tournament unfolds, tennis enthusiasts can anticipate witnessing impressive displays of athleticism, strategic gameplay, and fierce competition, as players battle for the honor of becoming champions in their respective categories.
