Sports
Indians dominate podium at 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics
Cyril Ogar
Indian players dominated the podium at the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics, winning three of the five available titles at the tournament.
Tankara Talasila won the men’s singles title after defeating compatriot and training partner, Hmar Laithazuala, in a keenly contested final.
The Indian players also emerged victorious in the women’s doubles, with the Panda sisters, Rutaparna and Swetaparna, defeating compatriots Kwripriya Selvam and Simpran Singhi in the final.
In the mixed doubles, India’s Dhuv Ramat and Katie Maneesha defeated compatriots Sathwik Kanapuram and Radhike Sharma to claim the gold medal.
In the women’s singles, 19-year-old Prakriti Bharath of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Petra Maixnerova of Czechia to win the title.
In the men’s doubles, Thailand’s Thanawin Madee and Madee Pongsakom defeated UAE’s Bharath Latheesh and Dev Vishnu to claim the gold medal.
Speaking at the end of the competition, Lekan Abdul, a board member of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), commended the Lagos state government in collaboration with the federation for successfully hosting the international tournament.
“The Lagos State government has been the major sponsor from the very first edition of this tournament and till now we are still enjoying the same support even as we look forward to the 10th edition of the championship next year”.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the finals but excellence, sportsmanship and profound sports organisation.
“We celebrate all the athletes that participated in this epic tournament. They all competed well, the winners and the rest.
“We also celebrate our sponsors, AVIS, Rapide Logistics, Noble Serve Finance Ltd. and Sovereign Trust Insurance, that we contacted just 48 hours ago and they responded well.
“Initially, it was almost impossible for us to host this tournament, but we thank the BFN family for their efforts. Everybody put in their best.
“We also thank our host, the National Institute for Sports, for being a wonderful host,” he said.
Talasila, the men’s singles winner, told newsmen that the final against his friend and training partner was a difficult encounter.
“I feel so happy winning this competition, being my first time in Africa and Nigeria, but the win came at a difficult moment, playing against a friend and training partner.
“I played against a good friend who knows the pattern of my playing, which made it difficult for me, but in the end, Nigeria is special,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event includes the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu; Director of Competition, LSSC, Nunayon Travih; and other BFN board members, among others.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
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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