The 37th edition of the Dala Hard Court Tennis Tournament concluded with thrilling victories as Abua Canice and last year’s female champion, Khadija Mohammed, clinched the singles titles in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
This year’s event, celebrated as the nation’s only surviving hard court tennis competition, witnessed intense matchups and impressive performances.
In the men’s final, Abua Canice, who secured second place last year, rose to the occasion to defeat national number two, Oparaojo Uche, in a hard-fought match. His win marked a significant achievement after narrowly missing out on the title in 2023.
Canice’s victory not only brought him the championship title but also earned him a prize of one million naira (₦1,000,000).
On the women’s side, Khadija Mohammed demonstrated her continued dominance, successfully defending her title. She faced Udofa Mary, currently ranked twelfth in the nation, and secured a convincing victory.
Khadija’s triumph at this year’s event marked her second consecutive Dala Hard Court title, adding to her 2023 win. This year’s victory also netted her 600,000 naira, solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s top female players.
As of October 30th, 2024, Khadija is ranked second in the national standings, boasting 47 ranking points.
Following the tournament, both champions expressed their joy at achieving a career milestone. “We are the Dala Hard Court 37th edition champions. We are very happy; it is a dream of all players in the country,” said the winners in a joint statement.
Alhaji Bashari Mohammed Gumel, Chairman of the Dala Hard Court Tennis organizing committee and Patron of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, congratulated the players for their participation and commended the winners for their outstanding performances.
He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors and donors who have supported the tournament over the years, ensuring its continued success and prominence in Nigeria’s tennis scene.
The Dala Hard Court remains a key event in the Nigerian tennis calendar, showcasing the best talents and providing a platform for players to shine.
