Nigeria Bounces Back as Four Mixed Doubles Pairs Reach Lagos Classics Last Eight

Published –
By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 

Nigeria found a timely response in the mixed doubles after a disappointing day in the women’s singles at the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classic, with four home pairs making it through to the quarter-finals.

The hosts had endured a bruising campaign in the women’s singles, where seven Nigerian players were sent packing in the Round of 32 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Among those eliminated was Nigeria’s top-ranked female player, Ruth Ebere, who was beaten by India’s Surya Tamiri.

Tolulope Oluwadamilola, Kadijat Emiola, Ifeoluwa Ojo, Precious Oluwagbotemi, Peace Jonah and Naomi Tanko also failed to survive the opening knockout hurdle.

But the Nigerian contingent responded strongly when the mixed doubles action got underway, giving the home fans something to cheer about.

Victor Ikechukwu and Emiola set the tone with a straight-game victory over Uganda’s Ray Nsubuga and Tracy Naluwooza, winning 21-18, 21-12.

Saidu Aliyu and Christiana Obasmani progressed without taking to the court after their Indian opponents, Sai Pratheek and Srinidi Narayan, conceded a walkover.

There was also a hard-fought victory for Kayode Abdulateef and Cynthia Feranmi, who edged Ghana’s Ofori Acheampong and Racheal Quarcoo 21-15, 23-21.

Usman Afolabi and Zainab Alabi completed Nigeria’s successful quartet with a battling three-game victory against S. Munnangi and Stret Yellapragada, representing the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

After dropping the opening game 14-21, the Nigerian duo changed the momentum of the contest, taking the second 21-13 before sealing the deciding game 21-17.

Nigeria’s progress, however, was not without casualties. Akinsola and Aminat Ilori were beaten by Uganda’s Muzafaru Lubega and Gladys Mabazi, while Ghana’s Lesllie Addo and Jennifer Eduam ended the run of Daniel Oyinlola and Samantha Oluwatunmise.

India also accounted for another Nigerian pair, with S. Kanapuram and Radhika Sharma defeating Aliyu Shehu and U. Ukeh.

Top seeds Dhruv Rawat and Mannesha K advanced with a bye.

The contrasting fortunes across the events have given the Nigerian team a mixed start to the four-day championship, but the improved mixed doubles showing has revived hopes of a strong finish before the tournament concludes on Saturday.

With four Nigerian pairs now among the last eight, the hosts will be looking to push deeper into the competition and challenge for medals on home soil.

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