Afaramai, Samuel, and Onyemenam Triumph at 2026 CBN Junior Tennis Championship
The grand finale of the 2026 CBN Junior Tennis Championship concluded at the Ikoyi Club on Saturday, showcasing thrilling matches and crowning new champions across various age categories. The event highlighted the rising talent in Nigerian junior tennis, with standout performances from players representing clubs across the country.
Victories in Key Age Categories
In the boys' 16s category, Heman Afaramai from the Ikeja Police College Tennis Club delivered a hard-fought win, defeating Damilola Agunbiade with a score of 9-7 in a closely contested match that kept spectators on edge. Meanwhile, Gloria Samuel of the LekMak Tennis Academy in Ado Ekiti dominated the girls' 16s category, overpowering Favour James 9-3 to claim her title.
For the younger divisions, Pinky Onyemenam from the Abuja Tennis Academy excelled in the girls' 12s category, securing victory over Amira Mohammed with a score of 9-4. In the boys' 12s, Gideon Peter emerged victorious, defeating Moroti Sowemimo 9-2.
Additional Age Group Champions
The championship also saw winners in other brackets. Alaba Adesina won the boys' 14s title by beating Gideon Afaramai 9-5, while Barakat Ganiyu triumphed in the girls' 14s category with a 9-5 victory over Sinmi Olaniyan.
Outstanding Player Awards
Beyond the tournament titles, special accolades were awarded for exceptional performance. Pinky Onyemenam was honored as the girls' most outstanding player for 2026, a testament to her skill and consistency. Similarly, Heman Afaramai received the boys' most outstanding player award, recognizing his impactful play throughout the competition.
The event underscored the growth of junior tennis in Nigeria, with participants from diverse academies demonstrating high levels of sportsmanship and competitive spirit. The CBN Junior Tennis Championship continues to serve as a pivotal platform for nurturing young athletic talent in the country.
