Emerging tennis star, Canice Abua, claimed the Men’s Singles title at the 2026 CBN Open National Tennis Championship, defeating Emmanuel Michael 6-1, 6-2 in the final, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The new champion dictated rallies from the baseline and capitalised on a series of unforced errors from Michael to take the first set comfortably 6-1. After play was suspended by rain, Abua returned to quickly re-established control of the contest before closing out the second set 6-2.
His aggressive approach and tactical discipline left little room for a comeback as he completed the match without dropping a set against the defending champion. Abua‘s triumph capped an outstanding campaign throughout the 10-day championship.
“I just want to give a big shout-out to the organisers, the sponsors and everyone who inspired me. I’m really, really happy,” he said.
“This is my fifth appearance in the CBN championship. My first championship title here in Abuja, but others, titles I have won are in Lagos, Kano and Benue.”
From the opening game, Abua controlled proceedings with powerful groundstrokes, accurate serving and relentless consistency, leaving the defending champion struggling to find answers.
His title run began in the round of 64 with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over rising youngster Nuhu Urenyang before overcoming Sani Musa 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 32.
In the round of 16, he defeated Muhammed Dahiru 6-2, 6-4 before advancing to the quarterfinals, where he dispatched David Edwards 6-2, 6-3.
Abua continued his impressive form in the semifinals, defeating Yusuf Abubakar 6-1, 6-3 to secure a place in the final. He then capped a flawless tournament by dethroning defending champion Michael, completing the championship without dropping a single set.
The tournament featured men and women singles and doubles events, as well as wheelchair tennis competitions. The championship which began on June 12th at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, ended on June 20th.
