The annual Civil Defence Tennis Championship in Abuja is geared towards grassroots sports development and Youth engagement, said Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command.
The 2026 edition of the Tennis Championship held in honour of Commandant Odumosu’s birthday, ended this weekend after 3-days of action at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Odumosu, confirmed that the tournament, was designed to discover talents and inspire young players nationwide.
“This initiative is about building the future of tennis from the grassroots and giving youths opportunities to excel,” Odumosu said.
He added that sports remain a unifying tool and a pathway to discipline, health, and national development, as well as a means to steer youths away from crime.
“Sports can positively engage our youths, reduce criminal tendencies, and channel their energy into productive ventures,” he said.
“I believe investing in young athletes will strengthen our sporting culture and create champions for tomorrow.”
Coach Samuel Sunday of the FCT Tennis Association lauded the efforts of the commandant in promoting grassroots tennis development.
He called on other well-meaning individuals and organisations to support sports development at the grassroots level, stressing that the FCT can boast of a pool of talented players eager for opportunities to excel in the sport.
In the men’s category, Nigeria’s top-ranked player Canice Abua defeated Lucky Danjuma, the fourth-ranked opponent, 7-5, 6-4 to win the top prize.
Unity Alex beat Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the boys’ singles title at the tournament, while Salvation Alex defeated Opeyemi Olademeji to emerge winner of the girls’ singles category.