Sports

9th Lagos International Badminton Classics: Unseeded Laithazuala upsets tournament favourite, Zilberman

Published

2 months ago

August 28, 2026

Unseeded Hmar Laithazuala of India on Friday caused a major upset at the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics after defeating tournament favourite and top-seeded Israeli, Misha Zilberman, in the semifinals.

The 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics is taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The competition, which began on Wednesday, is scheduled to end on Saturday.

The tense but exciting encounter saw Laithazuala floor the injured Zilberman 21-12, 21-6 to set up a final duel against another unseeded Indian player, Tankara Talasila.

In the other semifinal, Talasila, in a tough encounter, overpowered third-seeded Dmitriy Panarin of Kazakhstan 21-19, 20-22, 21-1 in one of the longest matches of the day.

Speaking after his loss, Zilberman congratulated the eventual winner, adding that he needed to take a bow.

“I need to take a bow, out of the competition. It’s been a tough one, with others hungry to win as well,” he said.

Laithazuala, on his part, commended Zilberman for putting up a great show.

“Zilberman is a great player and I need to respect that. I am happy to win,” he said.

“This is my first career appearance in the finals on international level, see everyone at the finals,” he said.

All is now set for the epic final between Laithazuala and Talasila at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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