Sports
Emmanuel Wins Men’s CBN Tennis Final
Final matches of 40th edition of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Open Tennis Championship ends with sense of elevation and consolidation for men and women champions of the day.
During the matches at National Stadium, Abuja, Sylvester Emmanuel at the weekend came from behind to defeat Abdulmumuni Babalola, defending Champion in the men’s final, while Sarah Adegoke also came from behind to defend her title against Christie Agugbom.
Emmanuel ended his third final encounter with Babalola 6-3, 7-6 and 6-4, while Adegoke defeated Agugbom, a former Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) number one seed 4-6, 7-5, 6-0.
The final matches kept dignitaries and other spectators in frenzy till their ends.
Emmanuel, who newly joined the list of CBN Open Champions, thanked God for fighting his way through, having defeated even NTF number one seed, Joseph Imeh, in the quarter final.
“I played very good tennis and it worked for me, I thank God for that.
“I was happy to defeat my opponent (Babalola) in our third encounter today; it was not easy winning this tournament but I thank God for His blessings,” he said.
Similarly, Adegoke after her match heaved a sigh of relief.
“ I’m relieved now of all tensions, even if you are down, you should never give up.
“It was a game of tennis, anything can happen. Initially, I was not getting my rhythm. I had to tell myself `calm down’.
“My opponent is a really good player, she played her A-game today and I am very happy that I did not let down.’’
However, Babalola and Agugbom still went home with final cups in the men and women’s double.
Babalola paired with Lawal Shehu to defeat Nonso Madueke and Henry Atseye 6-2, 6-3.
Also, Agugbom and Blessing Samuel equally went home with the women doubles trophy by defeating Rose Abu and Bukola Olowu 6-2, 6-1.
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.
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