By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Managing Director of DavNotch Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Ocheli, has announced plans to significantly increase prize money and players’ incentives in future editions of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship, reaffirming the company’s commitment to raising the standard of tennis in Nigeria.
Speaking at a news briefing ahead of the grand finale of the sixth edition of the championship in Abuja on Friday, Ocheli said the tournament has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost privately sponsored tennis competitions and remains a vital platform for discovering and nurturing talent.
According to him, the championship, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), has welcomed more than 1,000 participants since its inception in 2021, with several alumni going on to become national champions and key figures in Nigerian tennis.
“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 tournaments, creating opportunities for players to compete, improve their rankings and pursue professional careers,” Ocheli said.
He highlighted the success stories of current national champions Kanis Abua and Ito Robasi, alongside former winners including Joseph Ime, David Epeyo, Daniel Adeleye, Mwinyi Lomokadri, Marylove Edwards, Anu Ayegbusi and defending women’s singles champion Success Ogunjobi.
Ocheli also credited the competition with contributing to Nigeria’s resurgence on the international stage, noting that the country’s return to the Davis Cup World Group II after nearly four decades reflects the growing strength of domestic tennis.
In a further boost for the sport, he disclosed that future editions of the tournament would feature enhanced prize money and improved welfare packages for players, coaches, officials, umpires and ball kids.
“Our goal 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.
The DavNotch boss also reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to inclusivity, pointing to the continued inclusion of wheelchair tennis as evidence of the company’s dedication to creating opportunities for athletes living with disabilities.
He paid tribute to the late former NTF President, Engineer Ifedayo Akindoju, describing him as a visionary whose support helped establish the championship’s credibility from its inaugural edition.
Representing NTF President Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Vice President Owoseni Adeyemi praised DavNotch Nigeria Limited for sustaining its investment in the sport over six consecutive years and expressed optimism that the partnership would continue for decades.
Adeyemi highlighted reforms introduced by the federation, including a nationwide digital player registration system and renewed grassroots development initiatives, while celebrating Nigeria’s historic qualification for the Davis Cup World Group II after defeating higher-ranked Uzbekistan.
He also revealed plans to immortalise the late Akindoju by naming the centre court of the National Tennis Centre after him in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian tennis.
Speaking on behalf of the players, defending women’s singles champion Success Ogunjobi commended DavNotch and the federation for providing valuable competitive opportunities, urging stakeholders to create even more tournaments throughout the year to accelerate player development.
The sixth edition of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship concludes on Saturday in Abuja with the finals and closing ceremony, capping another successful chapter for a tournament that continues to shape the future of Nigerian tennis.
