Joshua Maxwell and Lucky Favour from Rivers and Imo States, emerged overall winners in thee male and female categories of the 8th edition of the Prince Victor Uwakwe three regions Under-15 and Under-21 Tennis Championship, held at the weekend, at the Enugu Sports Club.
This year’s edition which began on Wednesday, 20th, August, 2025 witnessed participating states from the Southeast, South South and SouthWest regions, were 79 players vyed for honors both in the Under-15 and Under-21 categories.
The 4-day tourney which was sponsored by a tennis enthusiastic, Prince Victor Uwake, in collaboration with Enugu State Tennis Association and Tennis Section of Enugu Sports Club, had parents, guardians, mentors, tennis and sports lovers turn out in their number to catch a glimpse of the excitement.
The final of the male Under-21 category did not fell short of expectations, as both Rivers State, Joshua Maxwell and Delta State, Okonkwo Paul exhibited high level intensity, dexterity as well as winners mentality to the admiration and chants of the fans, even as Maxwell came out tops in a 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1 gruelling and pulsating context that lasted almost 2 hours.
Similarly, 19 year old, Lucky Favour from Imo State defeated an enterprising Precious Ohima (Edo State) in two straight sets of 6-1, 6-2 to be crowned winner in the female category.
Other winners include, Obinna Chinedu and Esther Aigbanda in the Under-15 (male and female category), as both players defeated their opponent’s in two straight sets.
Also Speaking, Sponsor of the event, Prince Victor Uwake expressed satisfaction over the level of participation in this year’s edition, noting that such kind of programs wil avail aspiring young players to the opportunity improve their skillls.
On how they were able to retain their championship title Rivers State Tennis Coach, Samuel Omayoma attributed the victory to hard work, doggedness and resilience, admitting that this year’s tournament was quite competitive due to the calibre of participation.
Reflecting on his victory, a visibly excited Joshua Maxwell was indeed fulfilled with his overall performance especially defeating the same opponent that edged him out in the previous edition, acknowledging that semifinal and final were toughest games he played.
On her part, Lucky Favour hinted that the hard work and dedication she put in her game has finally paid off, as she is aiming to be one of the tennis great in the nearest future.
Meanwhile, organisers of the event have promised that the next year’s edition would be bigger and better, as more teams across the country would be expected to participate, adding that the prize moneys for all the winners would be increased by 50 percent.
