Sports
WTT: Lind Praises Lagos fans, vows to return
Denmark’s Anders Lind has expressed admiration for the Lagos fans and the overall experience at the 2025 WTT Contender, promising to return after clinching the men’s singles title yesterday (Saturday).
Lind, the tournament’s top seed, defeated Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar 4-1 in the final at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Lagos, winning 11-4, 13-11, 10-12, 13-11, 11-7 in 42 minutes.
Despite the dominant scoreline, Lind admitted it was a tightly contested affair, highlighting the long-standing rivalry with his opponent.
“It was a very tough match. I know my opponent very well; we’ve played many times before. Every time we meet, the matches are very close. It’s always a 50-50 battle,” said Lind.
“He played well today, and honestly, it could have gone either way. I feel lucky to have won the match.”
The Dane was full of praise for the tournament’s organisation and atmosphere, describing his experience in Lagos as one of the most enjoyable on the WTT Series circuit.
“I think the overall conditions, the venue, and the setup were really nice. The hotel and everything around the event were much better this year, in my opinion,” Lind said.
“The people here are super friendly, and the crowd was amazing. They brought a great atmosphere to the sport, which we often lack in other places. I’m very happy, not just with the result, but with the entire experience.”
Fuelled by the support and vibrancy of the Lagos crowd, Lind confirmed he is already looking forward to a return next year.
“Yes, absolutely. I would love to come back,” he declared.
Lind also commended the level of competition at the Lagos event, pointing out that several highly talented players may be under-ranked due to a lack of tournament appearances but remain serious threats.
“There were a lot of dangerous players—some don’t have high world rankings because they haven’t played many tournaments, but they’re still amazing. On a good day, they can beat me or anyone else. The level here was definitely strong,” he said.
He noted that table tennis in Africa is being elevated by the passion and energy of the fans, describing the local support as an integral part of the tournament’s appeal.
“The crowd, the atmosphere, and the joy the spectators bring, it’s really something special. It’s a great feeling to play in front of such an enthusiastic audience, and it’s a pleasure to be part of this tournament,” Lind added.
With the title, Lind joins previous WTT Lagos champions Zhou Qihao (2023) and Dimitrij Ovtcharov (2024), and pockets $5,000 in prize money along with 400 ranking points.
In the other finals, India’s Sreeja Akula upset Japan’s second seed Honoka Hashimoto 4-1 in the women’s singles, while the Korean pair of Kim Nayeong and Ryu Hanna edged Egypt’s Hana Goda and Dina Meshref in a five-set women’s doubles final.
India also claimed the men’s doubles title through Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Akash Pal, while France’s Jules Rolland and Prithika Pavade took the mixed doubles crown.
The WTT Contender Lagos 2025 offered a total prize pool of $100,000, attracting top talent from across the globe to the Nigerian megacity.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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