Yusuf Quadri, a rising squash star and defending champion of the Lagos State and Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament, etched his name in the annals of the competition by achieving a remarkable feat: reaching both the senior and U-19 finals in the same edition. This unprecedented accomplishment underscores Quadri’s exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and remarkable versatility, solidifying his position as a dominant force in Nigerian squash. The fourth edition of the tournament, held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, witnessed Quadri’s relentless pursuit of victory as he navigated through challenging matches, showcasing his prowess and mental fortitude. His journey to the dual finals highlights not only his individual brilliance but also the growing strength and competitiveness of the sport within the country.
Quadri’s path to the U-19 final was marked by a hard-fought victory against Dominion Utukpe. The match, a display of resilience and skill, unfolded in four sets with a final score of 3-1 (12/10, 3/11, 12/10, 11/3). Quadri’s ability to bounce back after losing the second set demonstrated his composure under pressure and his unwavering commitment to securing the win. Earlier in the day, he had already secured his spot in the senior men’s final, further emphasizing his dominance across different age categories. His statement following these victories, “It feels amazing to make it to both finals. I’ve trained really hard, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received,” encapsulates his dedication to the sport and his appreciation for the support system that has propelled him to success.
The U-19 category also witnessed other compelling matches that determined the final lineup. Quadri’s earlier victory against Shuaib Giwa, a decisive 3-0 win, showcased his consistent performance throughout the tournament. Another thrilling encounter saw Joshua Daniel narrowly edging out Benjamin Monday in a five-set battle, securing his place in the final against Quadri. These matches underscored the rising talent pool within Nigerian squash and the competitive spirit driving the younger generation of players. The final promises to be a captivating showdown between Quadri and Daniel, two promising athletes vying for the U-19 championship title.
The women’s competition also delivered its share of exciting moments and close contests. Zainab Ishola demonstrated remarkable resilience, coming from behind to defeat Grace Gana in a 3-2 thriller. Aisha Abdulraheem secured her place in the final with a 3-1 victory against Esther Opiye, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final clash against Ishola. The women’s category showcased the depth of talent and the competitive fire within Nigerian women’s squash.
The other side of the women’s draw saw dominant performances from top seed Rofiat Abdulazeez and Faidat Soliu. Abdulazeez sailed through her semi-final match against Delight Allison with a commanding 3-0 victory, showcasing her superior skill and experience. Soliu also advanced to the final with a convincing 3-1 win over Blessing Isaac, further solidifying the strength of the women’s competition. The final between Abdulazeez and Soliu promises to be a battle of titans, with both players eager to claim the championship title.
In the men’s category, Faruq Sulaiman’s journey to the final took an unexpected turn when his opponent, Ayomide Oladipupo, retired due to injury in the third set. Sulaiman had already won the first two sets 2-0 before Oladipupo’s unfortunate retirement, paving the way for Sulaiman to face Quadri in the final. This unexpected turn of events sets up a compelling final showdown between Quadri, the defending champion, and Sulaiman, a formidable opponent seeking to dethrone him. The finals, scheduled for Saturday, are poised to be a captivating spectacle of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, with both promising young talents and seasoned players vying for the coveted championship titles. The tournament not only showcases the current state of squash in Nigeria but also provides a platform for emerging stars to shine and for established players to cement their legacies.
