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.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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