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Etoro Bassey
By Aderonke Ojo
Etoro Bassey on Saturday emerged champion of the women’s singles event at the 2026 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Open National Tennis Championship after defeating Success Ogunjobi 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the final.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the grand finale of the 47th edition of the championship was held at the tennis courts of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Bassey began her title campaign in the Round of 32 with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Khadijat Salami before defeating Mary Azi 6-3, 6-4 in the Round of 16.
She continued her impressive run in the quarter-finals, overcoming Nenrot Suwa 6-1, 6-0 to reach the semi-finals.
In the last four, Bassey edged Bright Emmanuel-Essien 6-0, 1-6, 6-4 in a closely contested encounter to book her place in the final.
For Ogunjobi, she opened her campaign with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Bunmi Are in the Round of 32 before defeating Gloria Samuel 6-0, 6-3 in the Round of 16.
She maintained her fine form by defeating Mary Udofa 6-2, 6-0 in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals, Ogunjobi upset top seed Khadijat Mohammed 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 to secure a place in the final.
In spite of her defeat in the singles final, Ogunjobi went on to claim the women’s doubles title alongside Khadijat Mohammed.
The pair defeated Etoro Bassey and Favour James 6-2, 6-7(2), 10-6 in the final.
Speaking after her singles triumph, Bassey commended her opponent and expressed optimism about her future in the sport.
“She is a very good player and she gave me a tough time.
“Even when my backhand was not working well, I remained focused and accepted the challenge.
“I am happy with my progress and winning at this level means a lot to me.
“I want to keep improving, keep winning titles and ultimately pursue a professional tennis career,” she said.
NAN reports that the championship attracted some of the country’s leading tennis players competing for honours in one of Nigeria’s longest-running national tennis tournaments.
The tournament featured men’s and women’s singles and doubles events, as well as wheelchair tennis competitions.
The championship, which began on June 12 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, ended on Saturday. (NAN)
