Adeleye, Mohammed Reign Supreme At VEMP National Open Tennis Championship
It was a weekend of champions at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, as Daniel Adeleye and teenage sensation Khadijat Mohammed were crowned winners of the 2024 VEMP National Open Tennis Championship, leaving fans in awe of their grit, skill, and determination.
In the men’s singles final, Adeleye powered past a determined Lucky Danjuma with a 7-6, 6-2 victory, capping off a brilliant campaign in which he didn’t drop a set until the semifinals.
Known for his quiet confidence and explosive forehand, Adeleye edged a tight first set before taking full control in the second, cruising to the title.
“It’s not just about prize money,” Adeleye said after lifting the trophy. “This win means so much more—it’s a statement. When you focus on your game and block out the noise, everything else falls into place.”
He also praised Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) President Ifedayo Akindoju for his unwavering support of the sport and commended his opponent, Danjuma, for his sportsmanship. “Even in my low moments, Lucky was there with words of encouragement. That’s the kind of spirit we need more of in Nigerian tennis,” he added.
Danjuma’s journey to the final was equally commendable, having outlasted Uche Oparaji 7-6(5), 6-2 in the semis after an impressive run through the group stages.
On the women’s side, 15-year-old Khadijat Mohammed showed exactly why she’s Nigeria’s top-ranked female player. After dropping the first set 1-6 to Etoro Bassey, Mohammed regrouped and bounced back with stunning precision to win the next two sets 6-1, 6-2.
“I wasn’t settled in the first set,” she admitted, “but I found my rhythm and turned it around. Etoro and I go way back—it’s always a tough battle.”
Mohammed’s road to the final included commanding wins over Mary Udofa, Success Ogunjobi, Jesutoyosi Adeusi, and Loveth Ogah, showcasing her growing dominance on the court.
The week-long tournament, which featured 192 players across various categories, was organised by the Nigeria Tennis Federation and sponsored by its president, Ifedayo Akindoju.
Kicking off on 4 July and concluding on 12 July, the VEMP National Open once again served as a key platform for showcasing Nigeria’s emerging tennis talent.
With Adeleye and Mohammed stealing the spotlight, the future of Nigerian tennis looks not only promising but inspiring.
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