Winners of TPPA Junior Tennis Championship Earn Education Grants

Young tennis talents who excelled at the just-concluded TPPA National Junior Tennis Championship have been rewarded with educational grants, as the organisers capped off a week of competition at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Sport360NG reports.

The tournament, which featured boys’ and girls’ categories in U-12, U-14, U-16 and Youth divisions, saw all semi-finalists receive ₦10,000 each. Runners-up were awarded ₦60,000, while champions in each category took home ₦100,000 alongside trophies during a lively closing ceremony, according to TPPA President, Segun Aluko.

In the Boys’ Youth final, Abuja’s Abubakar Yusuf successfully defended his title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Lagos’ Michael Osewa. In the Girls’ Youth category, Bright Emmanuel staged a comeback to beat fellow Lagos player Abosede Bamidele 3-6, 6-2, 10-2.

The Boys’ U-16 crown went to Lagos’ Heman Afaramai, who triumphed 6-4, 6-2 over compatriot Nathaniel Aluko, while Ekiti’s Gloria Samuel edged Suwa Nenrot of Jos in a tense Girls’ U-16 final, 6-4, 4-6, 11-9.

Lagos’ medal haul increased when Peter Ubiebi claimed the Boys’ U-14 title, defeating Jos-based Alex Barnabas 6-3, 6-2. In the Girls’ U-14, Salvation Alex from the FCT held off Ekiti’s Success Godwin 6-4, 7-5.

Oyo State’s rising star, Mabubat Rasaki, dominated the Girls’ U-12 final with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Bayelsa’s Karina Opuene. The Boys’ U-12 title went to Edo’s Osamuyi Idehen, who battled back from a set down to defeat Godwin Afaramai 4-6, 6-1, 10-2.

TPPA Vice-President, Omongiade Ehighebolo, expressed optimism about the championship’s growth, revealing that discussions with sponsors for the 2026 edition were already underway.

“We’re looking to expand from 12 states to between 18 and 24 next year, depending on funding,” Ehighebolo said, acknowledging support from the Ministry of Sports and private sector partners.

He added, “Our sponsors have been with us all year, and we hope to attract more so we can take the tournament to more states and give more young players a platform to shine.”