Etoro Bassey rallies to win 2026 CBN Open Tennis Women's title in Abuja
18-year-old Akwa Ibom tennis sensation Etoro Bassey continued her rapid rise on the national circuit with a gritty comeback victory at the 2026 CBN Open Tennis Championship, defeating Success Ogunjobi 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to claim the women’s singles crown in Abuja.
The win marks a major breakthrough in Bassey’s young career and further strengthens her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising emerging tennis talents.
Bassey showed resilience in the final after losing the opening set. Ogunjobi took early control with a 6-3 first-set win, but the fifth seed responded with a dominant second set, not dropping a single game. She then held her nerve in the decider to close out one of the most important victories of her career.
Speaking after the match, Bassey praised her opponent for the challenge and reflected on her early struggles in the final.
“She’s a very good player. She gave me a tough time, especially because my backhand wasn’t working well at the beginning of the match. That made me stronger because I knew I had to accept the challenge and keep fighting.”
Bassey’s victory is the latest step in a steady climb through Nigeria’s competitive tennis scene, much of which has been shaped by her performances at the Niger Delta Games.
She first announced herself nationally by winning gold in the women’s singles at the inaugural 2025 Niger Delta Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. A year later, at the 2026 edition in Edo State, she reached the final again but finished with a silver medal after losing to Nenrot Suwa.
During the 2026 Games in Benin City, she described the experience of reaching another final as “thrilling,” highlighting her competitive mindset and growing maturity on court.
At the CBN Open, Bassey once again demonstrated her ability to respond under pressure. After a slow start in the final, she elevated her intensity, controlling rallies and dictating play in the second set before sealing victory in the third.
Her consistency throughout the tournament underlined her growing confidence and tactical development as she transitions from a promising junior to a national contender.
While Bassey celebrated singles glory, she narrowly missed out on a double crown. In the women’s doubles final, Ogunjobi partnered with top seed Khadijat Mohammed to defeat Bassey and Favour James 6-2, 6-7(2), 10-6 in a tightly contested final.
Bassey also credited her support system for her progress, thanking her father and her training base, Jeans Tennis Academy, for their role in her development.
“I want to thank my dad for always supporting me and believing in me. I’m also grateful to my academy for everything they have done for my development.”
The Managing Consultant/CEO of Dunamis Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, organisers of the Niger Delta Games, also praised her achievement, describing it as proof of the competition’s impact on youth development.
He noted that her progression from Niger Delta Games gold medalist to national champion highlights the purpose of the Games in identifying and nurturing young talent.
From winning gold in 2025, earning silver in 2026, and now capturing a national title at the CBN Open, Bassey’s trajectory continues to point upward. Her performances have positioned her as one of the most exciting young prospects in Nigerian tennis.
For observers of the sport, her rise reinforces the importance of grassroots competitions like the Niger Delta Games in shaping the next generation of elite athletes capable of competing at higher national and international levels.
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