Abuja 2018 NSF: Team Lagos Shine In Squash, Win 2 Gold, 1 Silver Medals In Singles Events

Olanrewaju Abdulrahman won squash gold in men’s singles 

 

Team Lagos once again showed their supremacy in Nigerian squash when they hauled three medals in the singles events on Wednesday .

The final of the men’s singles was between two Lagos athletes, Wale Amao and Olanrewaju Yusuf Abdulrahman, a game between two childhood friends. However, after a grudge encounter, Abdulrahman won the game 2-1 winning the gold medal of the event, while Amao settled for the silver medal.

In the women’s singles played earlier before the men’s, Lagos State’s Yemisi Olatunji defeated Rofiat Abdulazeez of Kwara  3-0 in the final.

Abdulrahman described his game against Amao as a tough match because he was playing with a familiar foe who is a childhood friend.

“We know each other in and out, so beating him in the final was so tough, but thank goodness I won,” he said.

He told PM EXPRESS that he was excited winning his first medal in his third appearance in the National Sports Festival. He appreciated the support he has been receiving from the vice chairman of Lagos State Squash Association, Mr. Adedayo who he said has been so supportive to his career.

“He brought me to Lagos from Kwara and has been so wonderful sponsoring me to international tournaments in South Africa, Qatar and Zimbabwe. So also are Mr Muyiwa, and Mr Akinyemi, both  of Ivory Health Club, Ikeja, as well as Mr Femi Adeyemo and Emmanuel Ibru of Apapa Club,” he said.

After the festival exploits, Abdulrahman planned to play a pre tournament in the United States early next year, but he will need all necessary support and sponsorship.

“I used to join my prize monies to whatever I could get around for me to play in most of the international tournaments I have featured because I believe I have to make sacrifices. I want to appeal to governments and private spirited people to assist my aspirations and ambitious to grow in my career.

“Unfortunately, the attention the government is given to racket games in the country is so little unlike what they give to football.

“What the authorities fail to realise is that there is prospect in the players featuring in racket games such as squash, badminton and tennis. We will be very much happy if government can support our efforts,” he said.

Yemisi Olatunji won women’s singles gold 

To Olatunji who won squash gold in the women’s singles, she had an exciting final against Abdulazeez.

“It was a good game and a good fight for me. I feel so elated winning another festival medal. I won gold and bronze medals at the Lagos 2012 Games. I must say that winning a gold medal for Lagos State is a big achievement for me.

“After this festival, my focus will be on the Old Trafford tournament in Lagos, ” said Olatunji who had won tournaments in Zimbabwe and a PSA competition at the Ikoyi Club this year.

L-R: Onome Obruthe, Dudu Orumen, Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Dr Kweku Tandoh, Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, at the finals of squash event.