Ghana-based Nigerian tennis star, Frances Mogaji, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Funke Aiyenugba and claim the 2026 Amazons Tennis Tournament title in Lagos.
The prestigious women’s competition, organized in celebration of International Women’s Day, attracted over 120 participants, showcasing some of the finest talents in women’s recreational tennis. After a series of intense matches, it all came down to a thrilling final between Mogaji and Aiyenugba at the iconic Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, where fans stayed glued to the action despite the late start.
Mogaji came out firing from the first serve, dictating play with her powerful backhand and high energy. Her aggressive approach paid off early as she cruised to a 4-1 victory in the opening set.
However, the second set proved to be a different contest. Aiyenugba, the top-ranked player at the Police College Tennis Club in Ikeja, raised her level significantly, showing resilience and composure. Even while showing signs of fatigue, the recent Lagos Ladies Open champion displayed her class, battling fiercely and earning loud support from spectators and teammates.
With both players locked at 3-3, the match was pushed into a decisive seven-point tiebreak. Mogaji once again stamped her authority, racing into a 4-1 lead and energizing the crowd. She maintained her momentum to close out the tiebreak 7-2, sealing a well-deserved victory with a final scoreline of 4-1, 4-3(2).
For her triumph, Mogaji was awarded a trophy alongside a cash prize of ₦300,000. She also earned the “Most Improved Player” award, which came with an additional ₦250,000, bringing her total earnings at the tournament to ₦550,000.
Runner-up Funke Aiyenugba was also recognized for her impressive performance, receiving a trophy and a cash reward of ₦200,000.
The event wasn’t limited to senior competition alone, as the Junior Amazons category also provided exciting moments. Adesewa Olaniyan and Omoyinka Ayinla teamed up to defeat Bisola Ogunkolade and Tiffany Osho 6-1 in a dominant doubles display. Both winners received ₦100,000 each along with trophies.
Speaking after the event, the convener, Ambassador Joy Obafemi, revealed plans to expand the tournament in its next edition. She noted that the competition will be extended to a two-day event, creating more opportunities for participation and enhancing the overall experience for players.
With its growing profile, the Amazons Tennis Tournament continues to solidify its reputation as one of the leading platforms for women’s tennis in Africa.