After 5 years, Lagos Squash Classics serves off with 19 players

After 5 years, Lagos Squash Classics serves off with 19 players

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:41 - 09.05.2023

Ajagbe is seeded for the tourney alongside Curtis Malik (England), Ziad Ibrahim (Egypt), Laszlo Godde (France), Perry Mailk (England), Mazen Gamal (Egypt), Laouenan Loaec (France) and Martin Svec (Czech).

After five years, the Lagos Squash Classics will serve off in Lagos, with 19 Nigerian players set to compete at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The Lagos Squash Classics are back in action for the first time since 2018. When the contest was last held five years ago, Egypt's Karim El Hammamy won the year's trophy.

Players battle for $12,000 prize money

Nigeria's top-ranked player, Babatunde Ajagbe, is leading the country's effort to win the competition known as the "Challenger Tour."

Babatunde Ajagbe
Babatunde Ajagbe

Other Nigerian stars, Ayomide Michael, Adegoke Onaopemipo, Femi Shedara, Kehinde Temitope, Gabriel Olufunmilayo, and Faruq Sulaimon will compete against European players for the $12,000 prize money in the men’s category.

In the women’s category, Titlayo Akinleye, Taiwo Ebifemi, Isaac Blessing, Modupe Faniyi, Mistura Durosinlorun, Busayo Olatunji, Rofiat Abdulazeez, Udeme James, Awawu Balogun, Favour Utukpe, Delight Temple and Idowu Ogunyemi will also compete for honors.

Lagos Squash Classics will help Nigerians improve globally

Ajagbe revealed that the Lagos Squash Classics will help to improve Nigerian players.

Ajagbe, who is seeded for the championship, said further that he is looking for home advantage.

Squash players in Action

He said, “The last time we had an event was 2018, which is pretty long. I’m very excited because it’s been such a long time since I’ve competed in my country. So, I’m looking forward to the home advantage.

“It means a lot to not just me, but other players in the country. It’s an opportunity for them to play with other professionals from other countries.

“Most of the Nigerians will be playing against some of these players they have been watching on SQUASHTV and other streaming platforms. This tournament will also help them to improve their world ranking which is the most important factor for staging the tournament.”

Ajagbe is seeded for the tourney alongside Curtis Malik (England), Ziad Ibrahim (Egypt), Laszlo Godde (France), Perry Mailk (England), Mazen Gamal (Egypt), Laouenan Loaec (France) and Martin Svec (Czech).

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