Davnotch Tennis Championship Set for Bigger Prize Pool, Junior Talent Spotlight
Organizers of the Davnotch National Open Tennis Championship have announced plans to significantly increase the tournament’s prize money, raising expectations among participating athletes.
Speaking in Abuja during a media briefing, the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, confirmed that the current prize pot of ₦8 million will be topped up, though the final figure is still under wraps.
“When we initially released the fact sheet, the prize distribution might have seemed modest,” Akindoju noted. “But I assure you, the actual payout will exceed what was published. We’re keeping the final amount under wraps for now as negotiations with sponsors are ongoing. Within the next two days, the updated prize details will be made public.”
He stressed that both male and female players can expect improved rewards across all categories, thanks to the sponsor’s commitment to supporting Nigerian tennis talent more generously.
In a move to further broaden the competition’s impact, Akindoju also revealed the introduction of a junior category to the championship, now in its fifth edition.
“We discovered during last week’s tournament that many promising young players—some under 14—had registered to compete in senior categories. It became clear there was a need to create a proper platform for them,” he explained. “This new junior division will allow these emerging talents to gain experience and shine on a national stage.”
With over 100 players taking part, the week-long championship is expected to be one of the most competitive and inclusive editions yet.
Davnotch Tennis Expands to Include Juniors, Eyes Renewed Sponsorship Deal
President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, has revealed that a junior category has officially been added to the ongoing Davnotch National Open Tennis Championship, following the exclusion of underage players from the main event.
According to Akindoju, while some promising players under the age of 14 attempted to register for the senior tournament, they were unable to participate due to existing regulations. “We followed the rules, which state that only players aged 14 and above can compete in national tournaments,” he explained. “Naturally, some of the younger players were disappointed.”
Moved by their enthusiasm, the NTF board convened and decided to create a junior competition under the same championship banner. “For the first time ever, we’re introducing the Davnotch Junior category, which kicks off this afternoon,” Akindoju announced.
In addition to nurturing young talent, Akindoju stated that talks are ongoing to renew the partnership with Davnotch, the event’s primary sponsor. The current five-year sponsorship agreement has come to an end, and the federation is keen to secure continued support.
“We’ve discovered some remarkable players through this championship,” he said. “That’s why it’s a priority for us to ensure this partnership doesn’t end here.”
The championship, which began on Sunday, is scheduled to wrap up on Saturday, showcasing both senior and junior categories for the first time in its history.