The Police College Tennis Club in Ikeja came alive on Saturday as sports lovers, fun seekers and tennis enthusiasts gathered for the fourth edition of the Lagos Ladies Open organised by Bridge Her initiative for women and girls empowerment (BHI). What began years ago as a modest effort to introduce more women to tennis has steadily grown into a platform for empowerment, health awareness and female solidarity.
This year’s edition drew sports lovers, fun seekers and supporters from across Lagos, with more than 90 women registering to compete and over 200 people in attendance. For many attendees, the event represented far more than a tournament because it was a safe and encouraging space for women to show up, stay active and support one another.
Convener of the Lagos Ladies Open and founder of BHI, Engr. Lilian Uzodiagu said the idea was born out of a clear gap she observed within the sport. According to her, tennis spaces in Nigeria are still largely male-dominated, not because women lack interest or ability, but because access and awareness remain limited.
“When I looked around tennis courts, I realised there were far fewer women than men,” Uzodiagu said. “Tennis is not as well known or promoted among women, and I wanted to change that narrative. This tournament started with just 22 players, but we kept improving, kept showing up and kept encouraging women to try. This year, over 90 women registered, and that growth tells us that women are ready for the sport when given the opportunity and the right environment.”
On the court, the competition was intense and spirited. Funke Aiyenugba emerged as the overall winner, earning a cash prize of ₦100,000, while Adeniran Ganiyat Bose finished as first runner-up and received ₦70,000. A consolation prize of ₦30,000 was given to the third-place winner. Organisers said the prize structure was designed not only to reward performance but also to recognise the discipline and commitment required to compete.
A key highlight of the day was a wellness session on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects many women but is often poorly understood. Dr. Rieninwa Rachael, a medical doctor and founder of Outreach Hub, led the session titled “The Well Woman: Taking Charge of PCOS.” She spoke about early awareness, lifestyle management and the role of physical activity in maintaining overall health.
One of the competing players, Omeruo Nwajiagah, described the tournament as both refreshing and impactful. “It’s a great way to socialise and connect with other women who share similar interests,” she said. “I also loved that this year included awareness on PCOS. Now we understand that staying active through sports, alongside a healthy lifestyle, are very important. Also this type of awareness helps women recognise symptoms early and understand preventive measures.”
Participants and spectators alike noted that the blend of sport and health education made the event particularly meaningful. By addressing issues that directly affect women’s lives, the Lagos Ladies Open positioned itself as a holistic initiative rather than a standalone competition.
The Lagos Ladies Open has become a growing example of how community-driven sports initiatives can empower women, promote wellness and create lasting social impact. With its steady growth, inclusive vision and expanding reach, the tournament is now looking toward future editions that can attract stronger partnerships, grants and sponsorships, ensuring that even more women are drawn into tennis and the wider sporting world.
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