As at February 2024, Nigerian players had yet to play any national tournaments, but all that may soon change following recent plans by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF).
Traditionally, the players are almost guaranteed four national tournaments every year – the VEMP Open, DavNotch Open, CBN Open and the Dala Hard Court championship.
Prior to the 2023 season, there was also the Rainoil Tennis Championship, which was one of the most anticipated tournaments owing to its prize money.
However, the situation changed when players and the sponsors of the tournament had a bit of misunderstanding resulting in the suspension of the competition for the 2023 tennis year.
Nigeria Tennis Live is hearing that the tournament may stage a return in 2024 if the sponsors are able to have a change of mind about the annual event which keeps many of the national players competitive.
READ ALSO: J30 Abuja Aftermath: Five Players Sponsors Should Pay Close Attention To
Unless this has been concluded and confirmed by the tennis federation, the talks about the return of Rainoil Championship may yet remain a rumour.
At a time when the country is preparing for the All African Games, the players are not likely to participate in any tough match ups to prepare them for oppositions in Ghana, a situation which has raised eyebrows in some quarters.
But the NTF has lined up a number of tournaments before the year splits into two, including competitions for junior players and players who are a bit advanced in age.
Nigeria Tennis Live gathered that starting from the end of April 2024, the national tournaments – VEMP, DavNotch and CBN Opens will likely hold, and this will most likely be followed by two weeks of ITF World Masters Tennis Tour event.
Already confirmed by the ITF is the J30 and J60 Abuja events scheduled for June 3- 16, 2024, and if Nigeria gets the hosting rights for the Davis Cup qualifiers, this may follow immediately afterwards.
In all, the tennis section of the National Stadium in Abuja may be playing host to eight consecutive weeks of tennis events starting from April.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep our readers and followers posted on the latest information regarding the tournaments as soon as the dates have been confirmed by the NTF.