CBN Junior Tennis 2026: Onyemenam, Afaramai shine as champions emerge
The 2026 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938, crowning a new generation of tennis stars. Pinky Onyemenam of
- By David Bolarinwa
The 2026 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938, crowning a new generation of tennis stars.
Pinky Onyemenam of the Abuja Tennis Academy was the standout performer of the tournament. She overcame all opposition to claim the Girls’ 12s title with a commanding 9-4 victory over Amira Mohammed. Her dominance didn't stop there; she was also honoured as the 2026 Most Outstanding Female Player.
In the Boys’ 12s category, Gideon Peter secured his championship status by defeating Moroti Sowemimo 9-2 in a one-sided final.
Read Also: Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U14 League heats up for Week 9
The U-14 divisions saw high-intensity play and tactical brilliance as Alaba Adesina powered past Gideon Afaramai with a 9-5 victory to take the Boys’ 14s title, while Barakat Ganiyu mirrored that scoreline, defeating Sinmi Olaniyan 9-5 to emerge victorious in the Girls’ 14s.
Meanwhile, the senior junior categories provided the day's most talked-about moments.
Gloria Samuel lived up to her name, delivering a "glorious" performance to defeat Favour James 9-3 in the Girls’ 16s.
But in what was widely considered the match of the day, the hard-hitting Heman Afaramai (representing the Nigeria Police College Ikeja/Lagos Tennis Academy) edged out Damilola Agunbiade 9-7 in the Boys’ 16s. The nail-biting encounter kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final point.
Beyond their age-group trophies, the tournament recognized two players for their exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the week as Pinky Onyemenam was recognized as the Most Outstanding Player in the Girls’ category while Heman Afaramai was named the Most Outstanding Player for the Boys’ category.
