Apex Network Celebrates Sports Excellence, Awards ₦8 Million to #ApexGames2026 Winners.
Apex Network has celebrated sporting excellence and grassroots talent through the successful conclusion of ApexGames2026, a sports competition featuring lawn tennis and football, with a combined ₦8 million in prize money awarded to outstanding athletes and teams.
Organised as part of Apex Network’s sixth-anniversary celebrations, the competition brought together emerging footballers and some of Nigeria’s top-ranked tennis players, giving athletes a platform to compete, showcase their abilities, and earn meaningful financial rewards.
Beyond the prize money, ApexGames2026 demonstrated the importance of investing in grassroots sports and creating competitive platforms where young Nigerian athletes can develop their talents.
Adeleye Daniel Wins Apex Tennis Tournament
The lawn tennis competition reached its climax on September 1, 2026, at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos Island.
Nigeria’s number-two-ranked tennis player, Adeleye Daniel, emerged as champion after defeating Nigeria’s current number-one-ranked player, Abua Canice, in the final.
According to ThisNigeria, Adeleye recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Abua Canice 9–6 and claim the tournament’s ₦2 million first prize. Abua Canice received ₦1.5 million as runner-up.
The third-place position went to 18-year-old Orunene Yakubu, who produced one of the tournament’s notable performances by defeating Kehinde Adesokan 2–1 (0–4, 4–1, 9–4). She received ₦1 million.
The tournament attracted several prominent Nigerian tennis players, including Michael Emmanuel, Abubakar Yusuf, Lucky Danjuma, and Franklin Jimoh.
Apex Network founder Abraham Efemena, who also plays tennis, explained that the championship was established to support Nigerian tennis players and provide more competitive opportunities throughout the year.
He also highlighted the high cost of sporting equipment and the need for financial support to help athletes acquire equipment and continue training. Following the success of the inaugural tournament, Efemena indicated that the competition would continue.
Young Strikers FC Triumph in ApexGames2026 Football Competition
The football competition also delivered an exciting series of matches, culminating in a final between Young Strikers FC and Trinity FC.
The early stages of the tournament produced competitive encounters, including a dramatic meeting between Starbase FC and Young Strikers FC.
The match ended 2–2 in regulation time before Young Strikers FC prevailed 6–5 on penalties.
In another first-round fixture, Trinity FC defeated Island Stars FC 3–0, securing their place in the next stage of the competition.
Young Strikers FC continued their impressive run with another 3–0 victory, this time against Devine Champions FC, setting up their decisive clash with Trinity FC.
Young Strikers FC Crowned Football Champions
The football final was played on September 4, 2026, at Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos, with Young Strikers FC facing Trinity FC for the championship.
Young Strikers FC produced a composed performance to defeat Trinity FC 2–0, securing the ApexGames2026 football title.
The victory earned Young Strikers FC a ₦2 million cash prize and medals, while Trinity FC received ₦1.5 million as runners-up.
For the players, the victory represented more than a trophy. It recognised the talent, determination, and hard work required to compete successfully at the grassroots level.
A Platform for Grassroots Football
The competition attracted members of the football and sports community, including CAF-accredited journalist Solomon Edivri, who hosted the event.
IBK Sport, a football podcaster, was also in attendance, adding further visibility to the tournament and its young participants.
Students from the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) also attended the event, adding youthful energy and a strong community atmosphere to the competition.
The presence of sports media professionals, students and football enthusiasts helped position ApexGames2026 as more than just a competition. It became a platform for young athletes to gain exposure and connect with a wider sporting community.
Young Strikers Captain Commends Apex Network
Following their victory, Young Strikers FC captain Ajumoko Maleek praised Apex Network for investing in grassroots sports and providing opportunities for young footballers.
“We appreciate the organizers of this competition, Apex Network. We want them to do more of this competition, as it gives the grassroots players opportunities to showcase their talent.”
His comments highlight one of the central objectives of ApexGames2026: creating opportunities for talented athletes who may not always have access to major sporting competitions.
For many grassroots players, tournaments such as ApexGames2026 can provide valuable competitive experience, exposure, and motivation to continue developing their careers.
Mrs Joy Hundeyin Leads Event Planning and Execution
Mrs Joy Hundeyin, Chief People and Operations Officer (CPOO) at Apex Network, led the successful planning and execution of ApexGames2026.
Her coordination helped deliver an event that brought together footballers, tennis players, sports professionals, students, and members of the wider community.
From the tennis tournament at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club to the football final at Campos Mini Stadium, ApexGames2026 demonstrated Apex Network’s commitment to using its anniversary celebrations to create meaningful experiences beyond its core business operations.
Apex Network’s Investment in Sports Excellence
The ₦8 million awarded across the ApexGames2026 competitions represents a significant investment in Nigerian sporting talent.
The tennis competition alone awarded ₦2 million to the champion, ₦1.5 million to the runner-up, and ₦1 million to the third-place finisher. The football competition similarly rewarded its top teams, with Young Strikers FC receiving ₦2 million and Trinity FC taking home ₦1.5 million.
The financial rewards give athletes resources to support their sporting development, while the competition gives participants the chance to test themselves against other talented players.
ApexGames2026 therefore reflects a broader approach to corporate support for sports: combining competitive opportunities with meaningful financial rewards and visibility for emerging talent.
“We wanted to mark the sixth anniversary differently from the usual celebrations. Last year, we marked our 5th anniversary with a tech event as well as a gala and Award Night. This year, we felt a sports competition was a good way to bring people together, engage our community, and celebrate the milestone more actively and memorably.
Beyond the tennis and football competitions, it was about celebrating the journey, the people who have been part of it, and how far we have come as a company” - Mr Abraham Efemena (Apex Network Founder/CEO).
Celebrating Talent Beyond the Competition
As Apex Network marks six years of operations, ApexGames2026 has added another dimension to the company’s anniversary celebrations.
The competition brought together established tennis players and emerging grassroots footballers, demonstrating how private-sector investment can help create opportunities across different levels of Nigerian sports.
For the young footballers who participated, the experience offered a chance to compete, build confidence, and showcase their abilities. For the tennis players, the tournament provided a competitive platform and substantial prize money at a time when athletes continue to call for more tournaments and support.
The competition's success also strengthens participants' call for more initiatives like this.
With Young Strikers FC emerging as football champions, Adeleye Daniel claiming the tennis title, and ₦8 million distributed among the winners and leading performers, ApexGames2026 concluded as a celebration of talent, competition and sports excellence.
For Apex Network, the tournament has shown that an anniversary celebration can also serve as an investment in the next generation of Nigerian sporting talent.
More Photos From The #ApexGames2026
