Sports

Adeleye Clinches Men’s Singles Title at VEMP National Open Tennis Championship

Published

1 year ago

July 13, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Daniel Adeleye emerged champion of the men’s singles at the 2024 VEMP National Open Tennis Championship after defeating Lucky Danjuma 7-6, 6-2 in Saturday’s final at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The tournament, which kicked off on July 4, concluded on July 12 with Adeleye displaying consistency and dominance throughout. After edging a tight first set 7-6, he took full control in the second, sealing the match 6-2.

Adeleye’s journey to the title included a hard-fought 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 semifinal win over Canice Abua, a convincing 6-2, 6-1 quarterfinal victory against Mubarak Ganiyu, and earlier wins over Basit Ajao (6-1, 6-4) and Joseph Jimoh (6-3, 6-3).

Runner-up Lucky Danjuma had a strong campaign as well, defeating Uche Oparaji 7-6(5), 6-2 in the semifinals, Mevi Irimiya (6-2, 2-1, retired) in the quarters, and overcoming Paul Egena 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the round of 16.

Speaking after his win, Adeleye expressed gratitude and humility, stating, “This victory isn’t about the money—it’s about proving myself. When you work hard and stay focused, the rewards will follow.” He also thanked NTF President Ifedayo Akindoju for organizing the tournament and praised Danjuma for his sportsmanship and encouragement.

In the women’s singles final, Nigeria’s top-ranked female player, 15-year-old Khadijat Mohammed, showed remarkable resilience to defeat Etoro Bassey 1-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Mohammed overcame a shaky start, admitting she struggled with her rhythm in the first set. “I rushed my game early on, but I had to adjust and slow things down. That change made the difference,” she said.

Her path to the title included a 6-0, 6-3 semifinal win over Mary Udofa and a 6-4, 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Success Ogunjobi. Earlier, she had beaten Jesutoyosi Adeusi (6-2, 6-3) and Loveth Ogah (6-2, 6-2).

Reflecting on her long rivalry with Bassey, Mohammed said their encounters always feel like reunions. “We’ve played each other since our junior days, and she’s improving every time,” she noted, adding her ambition to compete internationally and elevate her career.

The VEMP National Open Tennis Championship, organized by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) and sponsored by NTF President Ifedayo Akindoju, featured 192 players across men’s and women’s singles and doubles categories.

The tournament showcased top-level tennis and highlighted the growing talent pool in Nigerian tennis.

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Sports

Drogba, Amuneke, Eguavoen Lead African Legends’ Arrival in Lagos

Published

5 mins ago

November 7, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With just one day to the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has arrived in Lagos, joining an impressive assembly of former African internationals already in the city ahead of Sunday’s star-studded encounter.

Drogba’s arrival further heightens anticipation for the game, which will bring together some of the continent’s most celebrated football figures at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Also in Lagos are Nigerian football greats Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other members of the legendary Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996.

The African contingent also features distinguished names including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, among other former international stars.

The excitement will extend beyond the legends’ reunion, with popular Nigerian entertainers and celebrities preparing for a special Celebrity Match as part of the event. Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha are among the personalities set to feature in the celebrity fixture, scheduled to begin at 1:30pm.

The Celebrity Match will form part of a wider programme of activities designed to give fans a full day of football, entertainment and celebration before the main legends’ fixture, which kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 1:30pm.

Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the game will feature 15 Nigerian legends taking on 13 African icons in a celebration of the players whose achievements helped shape the history of football on the continent.

Beyond the match, the programme includes a football clinic involving 500 young players, entertainment and special recognition for the heroes of African football.

The Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable gathering of football royalty, bringing together generations of fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the continent’s finest players.

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