Sports
Abuja All Stars Invitational: Lugbe Stuns All Stars International, USF Crush Capital City, Ex-Professionals Scrape Through as Quarterfinal Lineup Emerges
For the second year running, All Stars International have bowed out in dramatic fashion at the ongoing Abuja All Stars International Invitational Tournament, crashing out to Lugbe All Stars in a nail-biting round of 16 clash.
Boasting a star-studded lineup featuring ex-internationals like Taiwo Enegwa, Patrick Paschal, and National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, All Stars International started brightly, piling pressure on Lugbe — a side that barely made it out of the group stage. Their early dominance paid off with a well-taken goal in the first half.
However, the tide turned after the break.
Lugbe All Stars came out rejuvenated, swarming the midfield and launching relentless attacks. Despite going down to 10 men after a red card, they refused to back down. Then came the turning point — a controversial penalty after a reckless shove inside the box. The initial spot-kick was saved, but a retake was ordered as the All Stars goalkeeper stepped off his line. The second time of asking, Lugbe made no mistake.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation time and headed to penalties, where Lugbe All Stars held their nerve to triumph 3-2, sending All Stars International packing once again.
Elsewhere, the fireworks continued.
All Stars New Karu were ruthless against debutants NNPC, firing on all cylinders in a 3-0 demolition job to book their quarterfinal ticket in style.
USF All Stars carried their late group-stage momentum into the knockouts, dismantling Capital City Club 3-0. Their title charge is looking more convincing by the match.
In the tightest clash of the round, Defending Champions Ex-Professionals were pushed to their limits by a gritty Corporate Kickers SC. After a goalless deadlock, they needed penalties to advance, holding their nerve to win 4-2.
As the quarterfinals loom, the Abuja football jungle has thinned. Now, only the bold, the battle-hardened, and the brave remain. The hunt for glory is well and truly on.
Sports
Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Wins Silver at Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025
Cyril Ogar
Nigeria’s Para Badminton star, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, has won the silver medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 category at the POLYTRON Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025, which concluded on Sunday, November 2, in Surakarta, Indonesia.
Bolaji, who had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, advanced to the final after a commanding 2–0 semi-final victory over India’s Mandeep Kaur. However, in the championship match against World No. 1 Leani Ratri Oktila Syakuroh of Indonesia, the Nigerian ace was forced to retire during the first game while leading 20–16, due to a health-related concern.
Despite the setback, Bolaji’s outstanding effort earned Nigeria a well-deserved silver medal, continuing her consistent record of podium finishes at international Para Badminton events.
Reacting to the outcome, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barr. Francis Orbih, commended Bolaji for her courage, resilience, and professionalism throughout the competition.
“We are extremely proud of Eniola’s performance and fighting spirit,” Orbih said. “Although it was not the result we hoped for, she demonstrated true character and commitment. Winning silver at this level is a remarkable achievement for her and for Nigeria.”
The BFN President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian Government, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Kwara State Sports Commission, and the entire Badminton family in Nigeria for their unwavering support in ensuring the team’s successful participation in Indonesia.
“We remain deeply grateful to the leadership of the NSC and the Kwara State Sports Commission for their sponsorship and continuous encouragement. Their investment in Para Badminton has been instrumental in our athletes’ steady progress on the global stage,” Orbih added.
Bolaji’s silver medal finish reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile in world Para Badminton and serves as another milestone in the country’s journey toward greater international recognition in the sport.
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