Quadri Makes History, Emerges Finalist in Two Categories

Yusuf Quadri has become the first player to reach the finals of both the senior and U 19 categories at the same time in the history of the Lagos State and Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament.

The feat was recorded at the fourth edition of the championship holding at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Quadri sealed his place in the U-19 boys’ final after overcoming Dominion Utukpe 3-1 (12/10, 3/11, 12/10, 11/3) in a tightly contested semifinal  yesterday.

Earlier in the day, he also booked a place in the senior men’s final, underlining his dominance across age grades.

In the second U-19 boys’ semifinal, Quadri Yusuf defeated Shuaib Giwa 3-0, while Joshua Daniel edged Benjamin Monday 3-2 in a thrilling five-game encounter to join Yusuf in the final.

In the U-19 girls’ category, Zainab Ishola came from behind to defeat Grace Gana 3-2, while Aisha Abdulraheem saw off Esther Opiye 3-1 to set up a final clash between the two rising stars.

The women’s senior category also witnessed straight-set victories, with top seed Rofiat Abdulazeez overpowering Delight Allison 3-0 (11/5, 11/5, 11/5) to advance to the final.

 Faidat Soliu also progressed with a 3-1 (11/3, 11/7, 9/11, 11/9) win over Blessing Isaac.

In the men’s senior category, Faruq Sulaiman defeated Ayomide Oladipupo 2-0 (15/13, 11/0) before Oladipupo retired in the third game at 2-0, paving way for Sulaiman to reach the final.

The finals of the championship will hold today with emerging talents and elite players set to battle for glory.

Ikoyi Club Ablaze for Phil-Ebosie Swimming Competition Today

About 200 children from various schools in Lagos State will compete for laurels in 50 events as the second edition of the Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie Swimming Competition takes centre stage at Ikoyi Club 1938.

The competition is organised for primary and secondary school students in various Schools and clubs.

 This is scheduled to hold today at the swimming section of Ikoyi Club Lagos.

Rev. Patrick Egbele, a member of the competition’s organising committee, said: “The Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie swimming competition for schools is designed to contribute to the development of competitive swimming in Nigeria, targeting children between the ages of seven to 17 years old.’’

According to him, trophies will be awarded to the best-performing teams, based on the total number of points scored. The best overall male and female individual swimmers in the primary and secondary School categories will also receive prizes.

Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie who died 10 years ago was an accomplished swimmer and, in the 60s, represented his alma mater, Kings College, Lagos in competitive swimming.

He sponsored competitive swimming, tennis and squash at the club levels, and several athletes in Tennis and Squash enjoyed his sponsorship to both local and international sporting meets.

Phil-Ebosie was the major coordinator/promoter of the Dr. E.I.P Ebosie Swimming Competition in honour of his late father. The competition was held annually for six years (2005-2010).

The second edition of the Late Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie Swimming Competition for Schools has been organized by friends and family of the late civil aviator to commemorate his passing.

Lindsay Nkiru Afolabi, daughter of Phil-Ebosie and a member of the organising committee, said: “My siblings and I are delighted that friends of our late father are honouring his legacy by promoting his passion for swimming through this competition.”

Chairman of the swimming section of Ikoyi Club, Akinbuleju Onabolu, told newsmen that all arrangements have been concluded for the event.

“Our technical team is set to host the young swimmers and all participants will enjoy the event today,” Onabolu said.