In its continued drive to boost Nigerian tennis, Rainoil Group, in collaboration with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), has announced the 2025 Rainoil National Tennis Open, a premier event in Nigerian tennis set to kick off on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. The tournament will take place at the Ikoyi Tennis Club, bringing together the nation’s finest tennis players for a week of thrilling competition.
Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie, Group Executive Director of Rainoil Group, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to tennis competitions at both club and national levels. She emphasized that the founder of Rainoil Group, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, is passionate about tennis and views the sport as a strategic route for Nigerian youths to express their talents and shine on the global stage. Over the years, the Rainoil National Tennis Open has played a crucial role in discovering and nurturing young talents, many of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally.
To make this year’s tournament more attractive, Rainoil has increased the prize money to a total purse of over ₦22.8 million, with the winners in the male and female singles categories going home with ₦2 million and ₦1.5 million, respectively. Additionally, there are consolation prizes for all players from the qualifying round1. In a historic first for Nigerian tennis, the qualifying players will receive financial compensation, ensuring that no competitor leaves empty-handed.
Mrs. Olufunmilayo Koya-Adako, a member of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, announced that the qualifying rounds for the tournament will be held at the National Stadium, Surulere, over the weekend, with the tournament proper beginning on Monday. She commended Rainoil Group for its consistency in supporting tennis in Nigeria and emphasized that the Rainoil National Tennis Open is more than just a tournament; it is an initiative dedicated to developing tennis in Nigeria, empowering young athletes, and giving back to the community.
Mr. Diran Famakinwa, Chairman of the Tennis Section of Ikoyi Club, also praised Rainoil Group for their unwavering support of tennis and urged other corporate bodies to emulate Rainoil Group in promoting tennis and other sports in Nigeria. He highlighted the importance of fostering sports excellence and providing a platform for emerging talents to shine