Sports
Lagos International Badminton Classics: Upsets Halt India’s Momentum as Global Stars ShineLagos, Nigeria
The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics entered its second day in thrilling fashion, with 42 matches across four courts delivering a mix of upsets, drama, and brilliant shot-making at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall.
1 Athletes praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for its warm hospitality and seamless organization, as the tournament continued to attract attention both locally and internationally.After a dominant Day One, India’s momentum slowed on Day Two, particularly in the men’s singles.
Kalagotla (India) advanced with a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Slovakia’s Drata, but elsewhere it was a tough outing for the Indian contingent.
Poland’s world-ranked 165 Kwinta stunned India’s Walter in a tight contest, 21-17, 22-20, while Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo ousted India’s Negi 22-20, 21-17 to book his place in the Round of 16.Nigeria’s challenges also continued. In mixed doubles, the pair of Jovita Chisom and O. Miracle fell to India’s Bhatnagar and Balachandra 21-9, 21-5.
In women’s singles, Nigeria’s O. Obasanmi was beaten in the Round of 16 by India’s Shiagin, ending her run.Other highlights of the day included Korea’s Park GE powering past the Philippines’ Sreejith Parol in the women’s singles Round of 16 to secure a quarterfinal berth, while Japan’s M. Koja upset India’s fifth seed Bharadwaj 21-15, 21-19 in a gripping encounter.
The day’s final blow for India came when Indonesia’s world-ranked 342 Muhammad Yusuf, fresh from his giant-killing act on Day One, defeated S. Dayanand (India) 21-12, 21-15 to cap a difficult outing for the South Asian powerhouse.
With quarterfinal and semifinal spots up for grabs on Day Three, the Lagos International Badminton Classics is building towards a dramatic climax as shuttlers continue their quest for glory in Lagos.
Top Performers – Day Two Highlights*Muhammad Yusuf (Indonesia) – World No. 342 continues giant-killing run, defeats India’s Dayanand.M. Koja (Japan) – Stuns India’s 5th seed Bharadwaj in women’s singles thriller.
Park GE (Korea) – Dominates Philippines’ Parol to secure quarterfinal ticket.Kwinta (Poland, WR 165) – Pulls off upset against India’s Walter in straight sets.P. Shujiwo (Indonesia) – Outlasts India’s Negi to advance to Round of 16.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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