Sports
Nigeria’s Quadre Explains Loss To Ukranian
The only Nigerian to reach the second round of the ongoing Lagos Tennis Open Championships, Oyinlomo Quadre says her Ukranian opponent capitalised on her weaknesses.
Quadre, 15, told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that she allowed Valeriya Strakhova to pick the most vital points, leading to her defeat.
Strakhova of Ukranian dismissed Quadre, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-final of the event on Wednesday night.
Quadre said she could have done better if she had picked the most important points.
“I allowed Strakhova to take advantage of my inability to pick the important points.
“I admit my opponent is a better player but I could have done better if I picked the most important points that would have given me that edge to go above her.
“Above all, Strakhova is more experienced and mentally stronger, but with more tournaments of this nature, I will be a better player in the future,” Quadre said.
Strakhova also said that Quadre would be a player to beat in the nearest future.
“Quadre was tough to beat and I had to work extra hard against her weaknesses to produce a splendid result which I am very happy about.
“I wish her the best and I am very positive that with her age she can become a huge success if she continues with the way she is playing,” Strakhova said.
She said that she hoped to make the podium because she had played in the three previous editions of the competition.
She is gunning for the top position and confident about her target.
“I strongly believe I have what it takes to make the podium this time around though there are other top contenders but I have the confidence of doing well when I meet them,” Strakhova said.
The competition, which served off on September 29 will round off on October 13 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.
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.
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