Sports
Tombim Tennis Open, Avenue To Gain ATP Points
Tournament Director of the
Tombim Abuja Tennis Open, Ikani Igabi, said the tournament’s main purpose was to create an opportunity for home-based players to earn vital ATP points.
Igabi told newsmen at a briefing in Abuja to usher in the tournament that the event was therefore a great opportunity for upcoming tennis players.
The Tidesports reports that the male-only tournament, which is now in its second edition, is scheduled for Saturday to April 30.
It is an ATP-ranked tournament, with 35 points at stake, and it will be closely followed by the Dayak Tennis Championship which holds from April 30 to May 14.
“The sponsor, Edmond Ajoge who is the CEO of Tombim Services Limited, is well aware of the difficulties and challenges faced by Nigerian players travelling around the world trying to collect ATP points.
“When the competition started last year, the primary motive was to help Nigerian players gather vital ATP points, and five Nigerian players became internationally ranked in one day.
“One of them, Moses Michael, got to the quarter-finals of the singles in the first week and paired Duncan Mugabe of Uganda to reach the semi-finals of the doubles in the second week.
“So, we are pleased to say that the primary motive of the competition was very well achieved last year,’’ Igabi said.
He however said the tournament was not going to be just for home-based players but also for upcoming players across the world to play in Nigeria.
The Tournament Director also said the event’s organisers would therefore be using the competition to showcase Nigeria in a good light.
“We want to use it to show we are honest, hardworking, friendly and peace-loving people, who are very hospitable to foreigners.
“Also, it is the firm belief of the organisers that an event of this nature will contribute positively to building the structure of Nigerian tennis and image of Nigeria internationally.
The tennis official added that, above all reasons, the organisers were interested in helping Nigeria catch up with their Egyptian counterparts who organise 40 ITF Futures each year.
“We are not interested in organising a one-off competition. Our target is to catch up with Egpyt who organises 40 ITF Futures each year.
“We are also anxious to attract the private sector to invest in sports in Nigeria.
“We have learnt from our experience in organising this competition that the key to having regular competitions is to cut down the excessive fanfare associated with competitions and stick to the bare essentials.
“The thing is for the budget for competitions to be manageable and look more attractive to private sectors.
“Also, this will encourage Nigerians to volunteer their time and resources in organising events like these,’’ he urged.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.