Other Sports
Haniel Hadison Dominates Again at Cargolux Squash Tournament
The 13th annual Cargolux Merchant Express Squash Tournament, which served off two weeks ago at the Squash Section of the Lagos Country
Club, Ikeja, came to an exciting end on Saturday with Haniel Hadison of Lagos Country Club dominating once again.
The defending champion, Hadison, who has won the tournament seven times in the past, brushed aside stiff opposition from last year’s runner-up Dele Obasuyi of Benin Club 3-1 to cart home the top prize at stake in the Men’s Open category.
Hadison was in his elements throughout the event as he also defended his title in the Closed Men’s category, beating Bunmi Akpata in the final. Mike Adegoke emerged champions in the veteran’s closed category after seeing off the challenge of Deji Sule in the final.
Speaking after the game, a highly elated Hadison, who revealed his regret at not becoming a professional Squash player, said Squash is viewed as an elite sport and urged the Nigeria Squash Racket Federation to focus their attention on the grassroots development of the game so as to attract the younger generation.
“I’m happy I defended my trophy, I’ve won a few editions now and credit goes to the almighty God,” Hadison began. “I started playing much younger, from age group, U16, U19 and then stopped there.
“I was once the U19 national champion but I couldn’t go further to the professional level due to the job I got. Squash is the only thing I know how to do best but it’s too late for me now to go professional.
“Squash is seen as an elite sport but now people like me are changing
that perspective. My advice to the federation is to go back to the
grassroots, Secondary Schools and create awareness. We also need the
media to help us to project this sport,” he concluded.
In other games, Mike Nwabuzor of Ikoyi Club beat Layo Olupitan to scoop the prize in the Veteran’s Open category; Busayo Olatunji of Lagos Country Club defeated Faidat Saliu of Kwara Club to win the U19 female category, while Adegoke Onaopemipo beat his fellow Lagosian Ayomide Oladipupo to win the U19 male category.
At the end of the event, Chairman/CEO Cargolux Merchant Express, Captain Shina Akinfeyiwa, assured their readiness to continue bankrolling the competition, while the Chairman, Squash section of Lagos Country Club, Arch. Funmi Bamkole praised the sponsors for their effort and commitment in sustaining the game for the past 13 years.
The president of Lagos country club Tajudeen Adegboyega Akande, while
presenting Captain Akinfenwa with a meritorious award, thanked him for
his support for Squash development in Nigeria which he said is unparalleled.
He said: Thank you for supporting this event. In this period of recession, sponsoring an event of this magnitude is no mean feat, it is a demonstration of your commitment and love for sports.”
Sixteen clubs, including seven from outside Lagos participated in this
year’s edition of the tournament, with winners in different categories
awarded trophies, medals, cash and other exciting prizes like washing
machines, home theatres etc.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers