Uche Oparaoji and top seed Marylove Edwards have emerged the male singles and female singles champions respectively of the 2022 Dala Hard Court Tennis Tournament in Kano.
Oparaoji defeated David Ekpenyong 6-0 1-6 7-6 to win the male singles title and the cash prize of one million Naira, with Ekpenyong receiving N500,000 for his efforts.
In the female single category, Edwards defeated Oiza Yakubu 6-2 6-0 to retain her title and win the N500,000 cash prize, while Yakubu received N300,000 as runners-up.
In the men’s doubles, the pair of Mohammed Musa and Shehu Lawal beat Lawal Peter and Timibra Godsgift 3-6 7-5 10-8 to win the N600,000 cash prize in the final match.
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Speaking during the competition’s closing ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Gawuna, commended the event’s organisers for putting together such a big competition.
He called on governments at all levels and other well-to-do individuals to help in the development of tennis.
Represented by the Chairman of Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, Gawuna restated the state government’s commitment to sports development in the state.
“Wealthy individuals and groups need to support this tournament, being the only championship still surviving in the Northern part of the country,” he said.
Also, the President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, commended the organisers for sustaining the competition. (NAN)
