Yusuf, Ogunjobi Crowned Champions as DavNotch Boosts Nigerian Tennis

Posted : 29 June 2026

Abubakar Yusuf and Success Ogunjobi emerged as the standout performers at the sixth DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship, clinching the men's and women's singles titles as organisers unveiled increased prize money to further support tennis development in Nigeria.

Yusuf claimed his maiden DavNotch National Open title with a commanding 7-5, 6-1 victory over Nigeria's top-ranked player, Canice Abua, in the men's singles final at the Ifedayo Akindoju Centre Court of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The victory marked a significant breakthrough for Yusuf, who had previously struggled against Abua in their past meetings.

An emotional Yusuf described the triumph as a dream fulfilled after finally overcoming a player he considers his idol.

"He is my idol. We have been playing for six years, and he has been beating me," Yusuf said.

"Today, I told myself it was a do-or-die affair. I capitalised on my opportunities and was able to beat him."

The new champion credited his success to confidence, mental strength, and unwavering focus throughout the encounter.

"I was 100 per cent confident because if my confidence dropped even one per cent, he would take advantage. I stayed focused because I know what he can do."

Yusuf also revealed that earning a place in Nigeria's Davis Cup team is now his next major target, adding that the DavNotch Championship has provided him with a valuable platform to showcase his talent.

In the women's singles final, defending champion Success Ogunjobi fought back from a set down to defeat Etoro Bassey 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 and successfully retain her title.

Ogunjobi said the victory was particularly satisfying after losing to Bassey in the final of the recently concluded 47th CBN Open National Tennis Championship.

"I feel excited because I lost to the same player in the recently concluded 47th CBN Open final. For me to meet her again and come back to win today makes this title very special," she said.

In the doubles events, Canice Abua and Musa Mohammed claimed the men's title after edging Matthew Abamu and Michael Emmanuel 7-6(5), 3-6, 10-8 in a thrilling final.

Goodnews Aina and Success Ogunjobi secured the women's doubles crown with a 6-4, 7-6(1) victory over Blessing Omotayo and Nenrots Suwa.

Andrea Usoh won the women's wheelchair singles title after defeating Vivian Ozurunmba 6-3, 6-1, while Alex Adewale captured the men's wheelchair singles title with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win over Wasiu Yusuf.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, DavNotch Managing Director Emmanuel Ochei announced a major increase in prize money, revealing that the men's singles champion will now receive ₦1 million, up from ₦500,000, while the women's singles winner's prize has been increased to ₦800,000.

Ochei said the initiative reflects the company's long-term commitment to growing tennis in Nigeria through sustained investment in grassroots and wheelchair tennis.

"For us at DavNotch, it gives us joy because we are committed to inclusivity and tennis growth. We have witnessed tremendous improvement, and I thank everyone who contributed to another successful championship," he said.

He described the increased prize money as the beginning of bigger plans for the competition and expressed optimism that more corporate organisations would join efforts to develop Nigerian tennis and produce players capable of competing among the world's best.

Ochei also acknowledged the contribution of former Nigeria Tennis Federation President Dayo Akindoju in establishing the championship.

The sixth edition of the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship, which featured singles, doubles, and wheelchair events, was held in Abuja from June 22 to June 28.

The successful staging of the championship highlighted the continued progress of Nigerian tennis, with increased investment, stronger competition, and emerging talents providing optimism for the sport's future across the country.

Yusuf, Ogunjobi Crowned Champions as DavNotch Boosts Nigerian Tennis

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