Sports
Nigeria Stages Mixed Doubles Fightback at 9th Lagos Badminton Classics
Team Nigeria bounced back from a disappointing outing in the women’s singles as four Nigerian pairs qualified for the quarter-finals of the mixed doubles at the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classic.
Seven Nigerian players had earlier exited the women’s singles in the Round of 32 at the tournament.
The competition is taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The tournament, which began on Wednesday, is scheduled to end on Saturday.
Nigeria’s number-one ranked player, Ruth Ebere, was among the casualties in the women’s singles after losing to India’s Surya Tamiri.
Tolulope Oluwadamilola, Kadijat Emiola, Ifeoluwa Ojo, Precious Oluwagbotemi, Peace Jonah and Naomi Tanko also lost their respective Round-of-32 encounters.
However, Nigeria produced a much-improved performance in the mixed doubles, with four pairs advancing to the quarter-finals.
Victor Ikechukwu and Emiola defeated Uganda’s Ray Nsubuga and Tracy Naluwooza 21-18, 21-12.
Saidu Aliyu and Christiana Obasanmi also advanced after receiving a walkover against India’s Sai Pratheek and Srinidi Narayan.
Kayode Abdulateef and Cynthia Feranmi overcame Ghana’s Ofori Acheampong and Racheal Quarcoo 21-15, 23-21 in a keenly contested encounter.
On Court 4, Usman Afolabi and Zainab Alabi fought back from a first-set loss to defeat the United Arab Emirates-Australia combination of S. Munnangi and Stret Yellapragada 14-21, 21-13, 21-17.
Meanwhile, top seeds Dhruv Rawat and Mannesha K received a bye into the next round.
Uganda’s Muzafaru Lubega and Gladys Mabazi defeated Nigeria’s Akinsola and Aminat Ilori to progress.
Ghana’s Lesllie Addo and Jennifer Eduam also secured a quarter-final berth after defeating Nigeria’s Daniel Oyinlola and Samantha Oluwatunmise.
India’s S. Kanapuram and Radhika Sharma completed the quarter-final line-up after defeating Nigeria’s Aliyu Shehu and U. Ukeh.
The mixed doubles results provide Nigeria with an opportunity to recover from the early setbacks suffered in the women’s singles and remain in contention for honours on home soil.
The Lagos International Badminton Classic continues at the National Stadium, with players from several countries competing for honours across the various events.
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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