According to information made available to our correspondent by the Tournament Director, Barr. Ikani Agabi, the tournament which is bigger than the annual Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, will give out a mouthwatering $15,000 to the winner which includes hospitality.
Agabi explained that players from over 20 foreign countries had already signified their interest in participating in the two-legged tournament which will hold in Nigeria’s Federal Capital.
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“Also, the prize money is $15, 000 including hospitality, which is also more than Governor’s Cup which is a $10, 000 winning Championship.
“These and many other reasons have attracted foreign players from over 20 countries already while others are still being expected. Players from Germany, France, Ghana, Spain, South Africa, Brazil, and several others have already signified their interests in participating in the tournament”.
Asked how Nigerian players will be able to participate in the tournament since there would be higher ranked players in the Championship, Mr. Agabi explained that there would be a Wild Card playoff in Abuja a week before the commencement of the Competition.
He noted that, “unlike the Governor’s Cup where we often give our best players the Wild Card, we want them to slug it out here in Abuja and see them first hand before giving out the Wild Card.
“We shall base it on present form and not simply on pedigree. There shall be 10 Wild Cards to be issued out. Six for the qualifiers and four for the main draws”.