The 47th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-sponsored Senior Tennis Championship will begin on Friday 12 at the Tennis Complex, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The championship, which is expected to attract some of the country’s top tennis players, will end on June 20 at the same venue.

A statement from the Director of Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Hakama Sidi-Ali, said the tournament will feature events in the men’s and women’s singles.

“The event will also feature the doubles categories, as well as wheelchair tennis events for men and women,” Sidi-Ali said.

She said the competition had served as a platform for discovering and developing tennis talents in Nigeria for nearly five decades.

“Several players who emerged through the championship have gone on to represent the country at major international competitions, including the Davis Cup and the Africa Games.

“Among notable players produced by the tournament are Sunday Maku, David Imonite, Veronica Oyibokia-Iwebema, Christy Agugbom, Sarah Adegoke, Sylvester Emmanuel, Joseph Imeh, Oyinlomo Quadri and Marylove Edwards.

“Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading tennis tournaments, the championship has continued to contribute to the growth of the sport and the development of athletes.

“The championship also reflects the CBN’s commitment to youth development, sports excellence and the promotion of tennis across the country,” she added. (NAN)