Davnotch has unveiled higher prize money for its yearly national open tennis tournament, with the men’s winner set to receive one million naira and the women’s champion awarded 800,000 naira ahead of the event’s seventh edition.
Prize increase announced after sixth edition
Managing Director Emmanuel Ochei revealed the updated payout figures at the end of the sixth edition of the Davnotch Tourney, which took place at the Dayo Akindoju Centre Court Tennis Arena at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Ochei said the decision to raise the prize pool is intended to improve player welfare and align the competition with modern international standards.
Champions praise Davnotch’s impact
Yusuf Abubakar, the men’s title winner, commended Davnotch for creating what he described as a strong platform for personal development. He also credited the tournament with supporting the wider growth of tennis in Nigeria, adding that the winning Nigeria Davis Cup squad featured largely players who had progressed through the event’s sponsorship pathway.
Success Ogunjobi, who won the women’s championship, expressed her gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a springboard that will help her strive for greater excellence.
Wheelchair tennis sponsorship highlighted
- Yusuf Wasiu, Nigeria’s wheelchair tennis champion and a serial Paralympian, said Davnotch’s support for wheelchair tennis has given him a renewed opportunity to compete and progress.
- Andrea Usoh, the women’s wheelchair tennis champion, added that the sponsorship has helped wheelchair tennis feel included while giving athletes a clear route to sustainable livelihood through the sport.
Federation honours Dayo Akindoju
In a separate development, the Nigeria Tennis Federation announced that it has named the venue’s centre court after Engr. Dayo Akindoju, a former federation president who has since passed away.
