The 2025 WTT Contender Lagos main draw begins on Thursday as top seeds chase ranking points and the tournament’s top prize.
The five-day tournament is underway at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
International stars are targeting the title. The absence of Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna gives local talents a better chance to shine on home ground.
Players like Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Taiwo Mati are poised to make a strong impression on the international stage.
Tunisia’s Wassim Essid and Cameroon’s Ylane Batix are also in contention, aiming for a breakthrough in the second WTT Contender event hosted in Africa.
In the Women’s Singles, defending champion Sreeja Akula faces stiff competition, including Japan’s Hina Hayata, Honoka Hashimoto, Egypt’s Hana Goda and France’s Prithika Pavade.
“I won the Women’s Singles title last year, and I’m aiming for another this year,” she said. “The competition is much stronger, but I just want to give my best and enjoy the tournament.”
Another rising name is John Oyebode, who plays for Italy but has strong Nigerian roots and deep family ties to the sport.
Son of former Nigerian international Michael Oyebode, John is determined to leave a mark while competing on familiar soil.
“What makes WTT Contender Lagos special is the fans’ massive support, no matter where the players come from. They truly love the sport.
“Nigeria is home to me, and I want to enjoy myself by giving my best against the world’s finest,” Oyebode said.
2024 Men’s Doubles runners-up Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke return with renewed drive to claim the title this year.