The tennis courts of the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja have once again come alive with the vibrant energy of seasoned players and enthusiastic fans, as the prestigious 2025 Zenith Bank Lagos Country Club Tennis Championship officially served off in grand style. Known as one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the clubâs annual calendar, the championship has drawn a spirited lineup of about 80 participants, all vying for glory in four fiercely contested categories.
According to the Tennis Section Captain, Mr. Omon Ehighebolo, this yearâs tournament features matches in Menâs Singles A, Menâs Singles B, Womenâs Doubles, and the Menâs Veterans category each drawing attention for the intensity, skill, and camaraderie displayed. These matches not only highlight the depth of talent within the club but also underscore the enduring love members have for the sport.
The early rounds, which kicked off on Thursday evening, already set the tone for an exciting competition. In one of the standout matches, Deji Oguntoye showed resilience and tactical brilliance, bouncing back from a slow start to defeat Jide Adefeso in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Another notable performance came from Bimbo Okubena, who displayed remarkable consistency and power to outplay Peter Mgbeahuru with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Tennis Section Captain Omon Ehighebolo, who is also competing in the tournament, impressed spectators with a confident display, easing past Akin Osiyemi 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the next round. Meanwhile, fans were thrilled to witness a strong return from Idemudia Ujiagbe, the previous champion and last yearâs runner-up, as he swept aside Kola Sofola in convincing fashion. Ujiagbeâs performance has reignited his quest to reclaim the title he narrowly lost to Destiny Da Silva in 2024. Interestingly, Da Silva is absent from this yearâs tournament due to fitness concerns, leaving the field wide open for a new or perhaps returning champion.
In the Menâs Singles B category, the action was just as electrifying. Tunde Adeniji put on a dominant display to outclass Adesanmi Yemi-Sofunmade 6-3, 6-1, while Laja Adeshina demonstrated poise and control to defeat Tola Olabajo 6-4, 6-3 in a tightly contested battle.
Chairman of the Tennis Section, Barrister Babatunde Fashanu (SAN), expressed his deep satisfaction with the turnout and the electric atmosphere at the club. He commended members for their passionate participation and, most importantly, extended heartfelt appreciation to Zenith Bank for its unwavering sponsorship and support of the tournament over the years.
âThis championship is more than just a competition; itâs a celebration of friendship, fitness, and the rich sporting culture that exists within our club,â Fashanu remarked. âWe are grateful to Zenith Bank for their consistent partnership. Their sponsorship has not only enhanced the quality of the event but has also helped strengthen the bonds among our members. As the matches continue, we anticipate even more thrilling encounters and look forward to a memorable conclusion.â
With several matches still to be played and more surprises expected, the 2025 edition of the Zenith Bank Lagos Country Club Tennis Championship promises to be one for the history books. From the powerful serves to the graceful volleys, and from the youthful agility to the wisdom of the veterans, the tournament embodies the very best of tennis and sportsmanship, right at the heart of Lagos.