Sports

VEMP Tennis: Adeleye Seals Men’s Singles Victory in Style

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

Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30

Published

23 hours ago

October 22, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.

The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.

Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.

The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.

A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.

The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.

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