The emergence of Melissa Ifidzhen and Thomas Otu as the women and men singles winners of the 37th Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Championship has been applauded by the sponsors.
According to the Director of Corporate Communication of the CBN, Ibrahim Mu’azu, the emergence of new sets of winners in the 10-day championship which was concluded at the weekend is a testimony that Nigeria has substantial number of talents in the sport.
Russian-born Melissa, who only opted to play for Nigeria early this year, defeated defending champion and top-seed, Christy Agugbom 6-3, 6-2 while Otu, a former finalist won the men’s title with a spirited performance against reigning Governor’s Cup champion, Moses Michael 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
![Melissa Ifidzhen At 37th Central bank of Nigeria Open Senior Tennis Championship](https://finixsports.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_4958-e1432064704618.jpg?w=474&h=316)
Mu’azu, who was on hand to witness the final matches played on Sunday morning due to an inclement weather on the original Saturday final date, pointed that more players will be encouraged to step up and challenge for the title, knowing that the tournament can be won by any player that is on top of his or her game.
“Firstly, the CBN is extremely delighted with the fact that the winners in the men and women singles are achieving the feat for the very first time in their career.
“We are equally happy about this development because it shows that we have abundant talents which can do Nigeria proud at top events like the Davis Cup and the All African Games,” he pointed.
![Engr. Sani Ndanusa, President Nigeria Tennis Federation](https://finixsports.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_5262-e1432662159783.jpg?w=474&h=316)
Nigeria Tennis Federation President, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, on his part, said the federation will continue to provide the platform for players to excel in the game. He pledged that effort at getting more tournaments to keep the players in top form will be sustained with renew vigour.