Onitsha Country Club wins maiden Anambra State Governor’s Cup lawn tennis tourney
By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka
Onitsha Country Club, a foremost sports club in Anambra state, has emerged champion of the maiden Governor’s Cup lawn tennis tourney in the state.
The club defeated Anambra Sports Club, Awka on Saturday, in a thrilling final to claim the prestigious trophy.
Represented by Emeka Emewulu, Onitsha Country Club overpowered its Awka-based club represented by Rev. Fr. Peter Ibeazor, in two straight sets of 6-1, 6-3 in the finals at the Anambra Country Club lawn tennis court, Awka.
The victorious Onitsha team dominated the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten run throughout the competition.
On its way to the final, Onitsha Country Club defeated Anambra Country Club 6-0, 6-2, in the opening game. It subsequently overwhelmed Rojenny Sports Club, Oba, 6-1, 6-0, in the quarter-finals before dispatching Elite Club 6-0, 6-2, in the semi-finals.
Anambra Sports Club, Awka, also recorded an impressive run to the final, defeating Nnewi Sports Club 6-3, 6-2, in the opening game, overcame People’s Club 6-2, 6-2, in the quarter-finals and secured a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Awka City Club in the semi-finals.
Onitsha Country Club received a cash prize of ₦1 million for emerging champions from the tournament sponsor, Audi Company Ltd, alongside an additional ₦2 million support from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The first runners-up, Anambra Sports Club, Awka, smiled home with ₦500,000 from the sponsors and an additional ₦1.5 million from the state governor.
14 other participating clubs were also rewarded with consolation prizes of ₦100,000 each from the sponsor, in addition to ₦400,000 each by the Anambra state government.
Speaking at the trophy presentation ceremony, Soludo commended the management of Anambra Country Club, Awka, led by Ozo Ejiamatu Enekwechi, for successfully hosting the maiden tournament.
He commended Audi Company Ltd for supporting the competition, while appreciating all participating clubs for demonstrating discipline, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
The governor further emphasised the importance of regular physical exercise and sporting activities in promoting healthy living, fitness and community engagement.
Ozo Ejiamatu Enekwechi, President of Anambra Country Club, in his remarks expressed appreciation to the state governor for developing the club’s facilities to an appreciable standard, noting that the improved infrastructure made it possible for the club to successfully host the tournament.
Enekwechi assured that the club would continue to host sporting competitions and other recreational activities, stressing that its facilities were equipped to accommodate various sporting events, including swimming, lawn tennis and table tennis.
The maiden Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament further encouraged sporting excellence, strengthen relationships among private clubs and promote tennis development across the state.
