The Rainoil Grand Slam Championship 2026 concluded in celebratory fashion over the weekend at the Tennis Section of Lagos Country Club in Ikeja, where champions were decided across eight events following two weeks of competition.
Key takeaways
- A total of 109 players took part in the annual two-week tournament.
- Femi Adeyemi claimed the Men’s A Singles crown against Deji Oguntoye.
- Oluwatoyin Patricia Ewete won both the Ladies’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles.
- Rainoil Limited pledged to continue backing the championship, with hopes of an even larger 2027 edition.
- Organisers praised the players’ standard, sportsmanship and the support of club members.
Champions crowned in eight events
Adeyemi emerged victorious in the Men’s A Singles final after overcoming Oguntoye, while Taofeek Edidi defeated Olanisimi Oluwatobi to secure the Men’s B Singles title.
Joki Ugwuh and Akin Osiyemi won the Men’s Doubles competition, beating the pairing of Ayo Oludemi and Tunde Olujobi in the final.
In the Ladies’ Doubles, Ewete partnered Bolanle Ashiru to defeat Ify Akpan Okafor and Pun Jah. Ewete added a second trophy on Saturday night, joining forces with Olusegun Adesanya to beat Safiat Ogunmolade and Abdul Agunleti in the Mixed Doubles final.
Ndubuisi Ekwempu took the Veterans’ Singles championship with victory over Bimbo Okubena. The Veterans’ Doubles prize went to Segun Aluko and Charles Aghadiuno, who defeated Niyi Animashaun and Prince Sunny Orizu.
Officials and sponsor hail competitive event
Omolola Aluko, Vice Chairman of the Tennis Section, said the championship remained one of the club’s most fiercely contested fixtures, with players preparing extensively for the event each year.
“This competition is consistently very competitive and produces plenty of surprises because everyone prepares seriously every year,” Aluko said. “If you are not strong enough, you can be eliminated. It is an event we all eagerly anticipate, and every member does their part to ensure it succeeds.”
Rainoil Limited Group Executive Chairman Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie said he was pleased with the standard displayed throughout the tournament. He added that the company’s backing of the championship, as well as other national tennis competitions, formed part of its commitment to the growth of sport in Nigeria.
“The championship becomes stronger every year,” Ogbechie said. “Whenever I visit this section, I do so with great excitement. We will keep supporting this tournament, and I hope the 2027 edition will be bigger and better than this one.”
Tennis Section Captain Babatunde Benson thanked Rainoil Limited for its continued role in staging the event, noting that the sponsor had increased its financial commitment compared with earlier editions.
“It has been an exciting two weeks of tennis,” Benson said. “The players demonstrated their ability and sportsmanship, while members thoroughly enjoyed the matches. We thank Rainoil Limited for the support it has provided over the years. This season, the sponsorship was increased from previous editions, and we are grateful.”
Benson said the section’s leadership, working alongside the chairman and committee members, was proud to have attracted sponsors who provided substantial resources for its programmes. He also acknowledged the cooperation of club members and paid particular tribute to the tournament committee for its efforts in delivering a successful championship.
