There are strong indications that the 2018 edition of the annual Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Open will be played in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital, as against the usual practice of hosting it in Lagos.
The CBN Open which has been the first tournament in Nigeria’s tennis season for quite a while, has been regularly played inside the tennis courts of the National Stadium in Surulere, but this Nigerian Tennis Live exclusively gathered that norm may change for the 40th edition of the annual tennis event.
According to a hint given by the president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Engr. Dayo Akindoju, the sponsors of the tournament are likely to shift base with the hosting and stage the tournament at the tennis section of the National Stadium, Abuja, to celebrate their 40th anniversary of hosting the championship.
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| Abdulmumin Babalola defeated Joseph Imeh to win the 2017 edition of the CBN Senior Tennis Open in Lagos. |
In an exclusive chat with Nigerian Tennis Live, the NTF President who has promised Nigerian tennis followers, players and stakeholders a great 2018, noted that the tournament may hold early May, but that the details are yet to be finalized by all the parties involved.
He said: “The sponsors are looking at the possibility of having the tournament early May and it may hold in Abuja to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
“The details of this arrangement have not be finalized yet, but there are chances that the CBN is eyeing Abuja for the hosting of the championship, especially since their headquarters is also here.”
Speaking on when the NTF will roll out the calendar for the year, the president said it would have been released since the first week of February but for some issues which needed urgent attention.
He explained, however, that thing are taking shape already and that the federation was already “looking forward to 22nd of February for the comprehensive meeting with other stakeholders where we shall finalise details of our deliberations.”
Nigerian Tennis Live will keep monitoring the situation and ensure a proper update on the tournaments and the commencement dates.