WTT Contender Lagos: Top Seeds Begin Hunt for Points, Top Prize
With the two-day qualifying rounds concluded, the main draw of the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos serves off on Thursday, July 24, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, where top seeds will begin their quest for world ranking points and the tournament’s top prize.
While international stars are eyeing the title, the absence of Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna opens the door for local talents like Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Taiwo Mati to make a strong impression.
Tunisia’s Wassim Essid and Cameroon’s Ylane Batix are also among the contenders hoping for a breakthrough performance in Lagos; the e second WTT Contender event hosted in Africa.
In the Women’s Singles, defending champion Sreeja Akula of India faces a tough field, including top seed Hina Hayata and Honoka Hashimoto of Japan, Egypt’s rising star Hana Goda, and France’s Prithika Pavade.
“I won the Women’s Singles title last year, and I’m aiming for another this year,” said Akula. “The competition is much stronger, but I just want to give my best and enjoy the tournament.”
Also drawing attention is John Oyebode, who represents Italy but has Nigerian roots. The son of former Nigerian international Michael Oyebode, John, is eager to make his mark on home soil.
“What makes WTT Contender Lagos unique is the massive support from the fans, regardless of where the players come from. They love the sport, and that’s a big motivation. Nigeria is home to me, and I want to enjoy myself by giving my best against the best,” he said.
Meanwhile, 2024 Men’s Doubles runners-up Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke are back with renewed determination to go one step further this year.
