The Burma Camp Tennis Club (BCTC) once again proved their dominance, defeating the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Tennis Club (IBBTC) from Abuja in all eight events at the 11th International Friendly Tennis Tournament.

Given the longstanding healthy rivalry between the two countries, the Ghanaian team was determined to uphold their reputation and retain their title.

The competition, held last Saturday, saw BCTC successfully defend the title they claimed the previous year at the clay courts of Burma Camp.

With a lineup of experienced players, BCTC dominated the event, emerging champions once again.

In the doubles event, Dr Ralph Ntumy of Burma Camp partnered with Ing. Ibrahim Seidu to secure a 6-3 victory over Nigeria’s Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Saliu Atawode and Ambassador Humphrey Orjiakor. 

Meanwhile, Coach Joe Doe-Adjani joined forces with Ing. Kwasi Danso (Albino) to triumph 9-7 over the Nigerian duo of Tony Areh and HRH Eze Ikunna. The two sides were tied at 6-6, and after a tense tiebreak, Burma Camp clinched the 9-7 victory.

Also in the third doubles event, Ghana triumphed again as Brigadier General Selorm Amenyor and Commander Sey Morladza defeated IBB’s Austin Okwah and Adio Nuwusa 6-2.

The highlight of the competition was the singles match between BCTC President AVM Felix Asante and IBB’s Patrick Eta. In a thrilling, closely contested match, AVM Asante emerged victorious with a 7-5 win.

It was a strategic battle, with AVM Asante adjusting his game after realizing that his opponent was exploiting his weaker serve.

By extending the ball to the baseline, Asante managed to counter Eta’s aggressive attacks, eventually securing the win.

AVM Asante’s performance drew loud applause from the audience, and some of his teammates celebrated by lifting him onto their shoulders in recognition of his outstanding play.

AVM Felix Asante, President of Burma Camp Tennis Club in action

In the mixed doubles category, BCTC’s Wing Commander Emmanuel Larbi teamed up with Abigail Odoi to secure a dominant 6-1 victory over IBB’s Ambassador Humphrey Orjiakor and Uju Atusiubah.

The Burma Camp team won all their serves, and despite IBB claiming one service, the Ghanaians sealed the match by winning the final serve, ending the game 6-1.

This annual competition, held alternately in the two capital cities, celebrates the independence anniversaries of both Ghana and Nigeria. The next event will take place in Abuja this October.

Strengthened relations

AVM Felix Asante highlighted that the tournament has been held for 11 or 12 years, emphasizing its focus on fostering comradeship and friendship.

He noted that beyond tennis, the relationship between the teams has grown stronger, with their bond continuing to strengthen over time.

"Apart from playing tennis, we share a deep relationship with them, and our bond continues to grow stronger. In fact, we’re more than brothers," he said.

"While it's a healthy competition, the host aims to win, and we’ve certainly come out on top. We also want to express our gratitude to the sponsors who have supported us throughout the tournament. I won’t mention names, but we are grateful to all of them," he added.

For his part, the President of IBBTC, Ing. Ossi Agugua, remarked, "It’s been a journey for us since 2013. Although there was a brief pause during the COVID period, some of us still come here, not just for the independence celebration, but simply to be with our friends and brothers."

"We're extremely close. Some of us communicate on WhatsApp nearly every day — that’s how strong the bond we've built over the years is. It’s been 12 years now, and as he mentioned, it’s only getting stronger. We're truly happy to be here," he emphasized.

The tournament was sponsored by GCB Bank, SIC, Baj Freight and Logistics, CDH, LOMENF Co. Limited, Kasapreko Company Limited, SANAM Company Ltd, LIBI Homes and 360 Surveys & Engineering Ltd.