Sports
4th LBIC: Top Stars Scale First Day Hurdle
Nigeria’s highest ranked Badminton female player, Dorcas Adesokan, was among notable players that survived opening day hurdle as hostilities began in the 4th Lagos International Badminton Classics.
Tidesports source reports that no fewer than 250 players from 22 countries are competing for honours in the championship which began on July 18 and ends July 21.
Adesokan defeated Chineye Ebere, 21-13, 21-14 to record her first win in the competition, as number one seed, Muhammad Shamsul-Muzil beat Jafar Umar, 21-15, 21-13 while Godwin Olofuwa strolled pass 21-8, 21-7.
Ranked number four in the tournament Adesokan was joined in the next round by Israeli’s Ksenya Polikarpova ranked third who cruised to a comfortable 21-3, 21-8 victory against Nigeria’s Iyanuoluwa Kayode.
India’s Kudaravalli ranked number two in the competition and Kate Foo Kune got Bye to the next round.
Other players who qualified for the next round include South Africa’s Johanita Scholtz who beat debutant Juliet Odigie 21-9, 21-10.
Portugal’s Sonia Concalves beat Nigeria’s Zainab Mommoh 21-6, 21-3 while her sister Adriana Concalves lost to Nigeria’s Amin Yop-Christopher.
In other results Ruth Aiyenugba of Nigeria lost to India’s Riya Mookerjee while Felicia Omotola lost to Patricia Akpusugh in the battle of two Nigerians.
Meanwhile, an Iranian Coach, Maryam Abedkhojaster, who came with her 19-year-old daughter, Samin Khojasteh said that she was overjoyed when her daughter recorded her first victory.
Samin had comfortable 21-8, 21-8 victory against Nigeria’s Asisat Ogunkanbi, in her first major tournament.
“As a mother and a coach it’s a beautiful thing to see Samin win her first game of the tournament.
“Samin has worked hard during her preparations being her first major championship; I am proud of her.
“We intend to take each game one after the other and won’t expect too much, but will give her very best in every contest,’’ Abedkhojaster said.
Meanwhile a veteran of the Lagos Badminton International Classics, Oluseye Popoola said that he was happy to see the competition coming again to Nigeria.
Popoola praised the federation led by Francis Orbih for keeping to its promise of developing badminton in the country.
He said that the federation had maintained consistent championships of great value to the players and progress of the sport.
Popoola also said that it feels good to come around and see so much happening especially the publicity it brings to the players and to the game as a whole.
“The competition is a great boost to the development of the game in Nigeria and the rest of Africa and from the look of things the classics have come to stay.
“Under Orbih, badminton is transforming into a big sport as more top stars from foreign countries are coming in to participate.
“The tournament is a good avenue to get top points for participating players, and for the budding home grown talents, they can play the very best in their country.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.