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Thrills, Drama and Historic Rallies as Lagos Badminton Classics Reach Final Stage
The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) reached a dramatic climax on Friday with quarter-final and semi-final showdowns that delivered world-class action, epic battles, and unforgettable moments inside the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere.
With 20 matches on the schedule and one walkover, Day Three of the tournament set the stage for a blockbuster finale on Saturday, August 30, when champions across all categories will be crowned.
Walkover and Marathon Thriller
The day began with a rare walkover in the men’s doubles as P. Ravikrishna and S. Romdtiani (UAE) advanced without hitting a shuttle, following the no-show of Kazakhstan’s D. Panarin and M. Tajibullayev.
But it was the mixed doubles quarter-final that stole the show. India’s Rawat and Maneesha battled compatriots Sharma and Kanapuran in a pulsating contest that lasted 2 hours, 2 minutes — one of the longest matches in the tournament’s history. The tie ended 21-19, 9-21, 22-20 in favour of Rawat/Maneesha, who left the Lagos crowd on their feet in admiration.
Nigerian Hope and Heartbreak
On the home front, Nigeria’s Obanisola and Alabi lit up the arena with a hard-fought 21-19, 19-21, 21-19 victory over second seeds and compatriots Ibere and Ukeh in the quarter-finals. However, their fairytale run ended in the semi-finals against UAE’s formidable pair Qathua and Sreejithparol. The Nigerian duo will now battle for bronze in what promises to be another emotional showdown.
All-India Women’s Singles Final
India underlined its dominance in the women’s singles. Second seed Kashyap powered past Indonesia’s Ramadhani Wiryawan 21-19, 21-17, while S. Lele needed just 35 minutes to dispatch compatriot Sihag 21-12, 21-12. The result sets up an all-Indian final on Saturday.
Asian Showpiece in Men’s Singles
The men’s singles final will feature Japan’s M. Koga against Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo after both triumphed in gruelling semi-finals. Koga rallied past Israel’s Dubovenko 17-21, 21-7, 21-8, while Shujiwo defeated India’s M. Singh 21-11, 20-22, 21-12. Their clash is expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Doubles Intensity
In women’s doubles, Uganda’s Mbabazi and Kobugabe fell short against the in-form UAE duo of Sreejithparol and Qathua, who remain strong contenders for the crown.
Nigeria’s Growing Reputation
Visiting athletes and officials continued to heap praise on the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for seamless organisation, with support from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA). The vibrant Lagos crowd and warm hospitality have reinforced Nigeria’s status as a rising hub for elite badminton.
“Day Three has given us classic matches that will be remembered for years,” said Tunde Kazeem, BFN board member and technical director. “From marathon rallies to underdog victories, the Lagos International Badminton Classics has shown the very best of our sport. Tomorrow’s finals will crown champions, but already, this tournament is a triumph for badminton in Nigeria and Africa.”
Day Three Highlights:
- Mixed Doubles epic: Rawat/Maneesha beat Sharma/Kanapuran in a 2h 02m thriller.
- Nigeria’s Obanisola/Alabi upset Ibere/Ukeh but lost in semis; bronze battle awaits.
- Women’s Singles Final: All-India affair — Kashyap vs S. Lele.
- Men’s Singles Final: Japan’s Koga vs Indonesia’s Shujiwo.
- Prize Pool: $17,500 purse adds extra edge to the finals.
With the finals set across singles and doubles, anticipation is at fever pitch as Lagos braces for a grand finale to the 2025 Lagos International Badminton Classics.
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African teams will battle for the remaining qualification spots for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup this weekend as the final round of qualifiers reaches its climax across the continent.
In Kampala, Ghana will attempt to protect a slender 2-1 first-leg advantage when they face Uganda’s U20 girls away from home.
Cameroon are also in a strong position ahead of their return-leg clash against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam after securing a 3-1 victory in the first meeting.
Meanwhile, Benin will fancy their chances of advancing when they host Côte d’Ivoire following a 1-1 draw in Abidjan.
Nigeria’s Falconets are equally close to qualification after earning a 2-0 first-leg victory over Malawi ahead of Saturday’s decisive encounter in Lilongwe.
The successful teams will join the global field for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next year.
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The London Marathon broke the record for the highest number of finishers in a marathon, with 59,830 participants completing the course to surpass the mark of 59,226 at last year’s New York City event.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe shattered the world record to become the first man to run the marathon in under two hours, followed by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who also breached the two-hour barrier on Sunday.
“To then break the record of the largest number of finishers in the history of marathons underlines the inspirational nature of the London Marathon. We are incredibly proud to have set a new Guinness World Record,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
In the women’s race, three women ran under two hours and 16 minutes in a single race for the first time ever, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title by shattering her own women ‘s-only world record
-Reuters
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By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
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