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DC Haniel Hadison emerges the winner of Veteran’s final in Squash Tourney at Lagos Country Club

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From left: Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, Sir 'Semoore Badejo, Captain Caulkrick, Deputy Managing Director, Merchant Express, Mr. Seyi Adewunmi, Dr. Bunmi Apata, winner of the Squash Men's final, Captain Shina Akinfenwa, Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express, Mr. Kingsley Nwokoma and the Captain of the Squash Section, Dr. Niyi Ibrahim.

The Squash Section, Lagos Country Club over the weekend, held its 18th Annual Merchant Express Global Cargo and Turkish Cargo Airlines Closed, Open Invitational and 4th PSA Squash Tournament where winners emerged in various categories.

From left: Captain of the Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, Dr. Niyi Ibrahim,
Chairman of the Section, Sir ‘Semoore Badejo, Mr. Seyi Adewunmi, presenting an Appreciation memorabilia to
Captain Shina Akinfenwa, Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express, Mr. Kingsley Nwokoma and
Captain Caulkrick, Deputy Managing Director, Merchant Express.


The tournament, spreading accross a period of two weeks, saw players from over fourteen Squash playing Clubs accross the country competing in different categories; Men, Veteran and, for the first time, the Super-Veteran category for players above the age of 60.

From left: Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, Sir ‘Semoore Badejo, Alhaji Yussuf Durosinlorun, representative of Nigeria Squash Federation, DC Haniel Hadison, winner of the Squash Veteran’ s final, Captain Shina Akinfenwa, Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express, Sir Ladi Smith, a Patron of Squash Section, LCC and the Captain of the Squash Section, Dr. Niyi Ibrahim.


In the Super-Veteran category, Telema Princewill of the Port Harcourt Squash Club won with Dr. Kayode Roberts of the Ikoyi Club, Squash Section became the runner-up.

The Veteran’s final, which became the most engaging game during the finals saw DC Haniel Hadison of Lagos Country Club defeating Clement Efakpokire of Ikoyi Club, while the Men’s final had Bunmi Apata retaining the cup as the winner both in the last year’s edition and the just concluded edition, defeating Shittu Adeola of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Squash Club.

From left: Captain of the Squash Section LCC, Dr. Niyi Ibrahim, Telema Princewill of the Port Harcourt Squash Club, winner of the Squash Super-Veteran’s final, Captain Shina Akinfenwa, Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express and
Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, Sir ‘Semoore Badejo.


The 4th PSA category which had over 80 professional Squash players from across the Country participating in the tournament both male and female had Nigeria’s current Number One Squash player, Gabriel Olufunmilayo winning the Trophy while former number one, Onaopemipo Adegoke was defeated. Busayo Olatunji won in the female category by defeating Nigeria’s number one, Rofiat Abdulazeez. Apart from the cash prizes won, the PSA Tournament also increases the global ratings of participating professional players.

From left: Captain of the Squash Section, Dr. Niyi Ibrahim, Captain Caulkrick, Deputy Managing Director, Merchant Express Cargo Services, Mr Seyi Adewunmi,
winner of the 4th PSA Squash Tournament, Male Category, Gabriel Olufunmilayo, Captain Shina Akinfenwa, Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express Cargo Services, Mr. Kingsley Nwokoma and Chairman, Squash Section,
Lagos Country Club ‘Semoore Badejo.


In his remark, the Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express Cargo Services, Captain Shina Akinfenwa commended the high spirit of Sportsmanship amongst the playing members and noted improvement on the standard of the game over the years. He looks foward to raising the bar in subsequent tournaments.

From left: Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, Sir ‘Semoore Badejo, Mr. Kingsley NwokomaIbrahim, winner of the 4th PSA Squash Tournament, Female Category, Busayo Olatunji, Vice Chairman of Swimming Section, LCC, Mr Demola Ogunlesi, Captain Shina Akinfenwa, Chairman/Managing Director of Merchant Express and the Captain of the Squash Section, Dr. Niyi Ibrahim.


Sir ‘Semoore Badejo, the Chairman of Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, expressed satisfaction on the massive turnout for the event and members’ obvious enthusiasm towards the game of Squash. He thanked the Sponsors, Merchant Express Global Cargo and Turkish Cargo Airlines for supporting the growth of the game of Squash being the 19th year the organization has been sponsoring this event. He noted the inclusion of the additional Category, expressly supported by the Sponsors; the Super-Veteran category, which encouraged more participation from the Squash community all over the country. He thanked the Sponsors and promised a better tournament next year.

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Senator Natasha Hosts Kogi-Born Gold Medalist, Supports Her with ₦2 Million

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Matthew Ovayioza Sarah

Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hosted Kogi-born sports sensation Matthew Ovayioza Sarah at her Abuja residence, celebrating her remarkable achievements in weightlifting and arm wrestling.
Ovayioza gained global recognition after clinching two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship in Manama, Bahrain, marking her as one of Nigeria’s brightest sports stars. During the meeting, she presented her medals to the senator and discussed her need for financial sponsorship and access to advanced training facilities to prepare for future competitions.
A statement by her chief Press Secretary Orogbonlo Isreal in a statement quoted her to have commended Ovayioza for her resilience and dedication, despite facing numerous challenges, and encouraged her to remain focused. 
“Your achievements are a source of pride for Kogi and Nigeria. We will ensure you receive the support you need to excel further,” she said.
In a gesture of support, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan provided ₦2 million to the athlete and pledged to seek additional resources from relevant government bodies to aid her career.

Ovayioza has an impressive record of accomplishments, including, 2 Gold Medals in Weightlifting World Championship, Bahrain (2024), 3 Gold Medals  in Nigerian National Weightlifting Championship, Abuja (2024) and  2 Gold Medals in Armwrestling African Championship, Accra (2023).

Others are 1 Bronze Medal Nigerian National Sports Festival, Delta (2022) and 1 Gold & 1 Silver Medal at National Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2022) and 2 Gold Medals Bamitonia Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2023)

She also holds three national records in weightlifting, including a snatch lift of 117 kg, a clean and jerk lift of 138 kg, and a total lift of 255 kg. Ovayioza is currently ranked World No. 3 in the 76 kg weightlifting category.

Beyond weightlifting, she is a two-time African champion in arm wrestling’s 71 kg category and a multiple-time Nigerian champion.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s support underscored her commitment to fostering grassroots talent and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to excel on the global stage.

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Peter Obi lauds Ugo Ugochukwu on historic FIA World Cup Victory

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The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has extended heartfelt congratulations to teenage motorsport sensation Ugo Ugochukwu Orlandi for his groundbreaking victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix.

Writing on his X-Handle, Obi lauded the 17-year-old driver for becoming the first American in over 40 years to win the coveted FIA World Cup title.
He described Ugo’s achievement as a historic moment of pride and inspiration, highlighting his exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work.

“Ugo’s outstanding victory stands as a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and consistent dedication qualities that our youth today can demonstrate when given the right support and guidance,” Obi said.

Born to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, Ugo’s diverse heritage was also celebrated in Obi’s message.
He emphasized the young driver’s role as a beacon of inspiration for Nigerian youth, showcasing how passion and opportunity can lead to remarkable success.

Obi also commended McLaren Racing for its pivotal role in nurturing Ugo’s potential and investing in the future of young talents in motorsport.
He described Ugo’s success as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and supporting young people’s aspirations.

“Beyond making history, you have inspired millions,” Obi wrote, expressing optimism about Ugo’s continued rise in the motorsport world.

The victory at Macau is the latest milestone in Ugo’s fast-ascending career, solidifying his position as a future star of international motorsport.

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CAF Champions League: Okpebholo backs Edo Queens for Semifinal Spot

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Monday Okpebholo

As Edo Queens prepare for a crucial face-off with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a heartfelt message of support, rallying the team to victory.
The match, set for Saturday, November 16 in Casablanca, Morocco, will determine whether the Queens advance to the semifinals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have praised the Queens’ achievements, acknowledging the determination and hard work that has kept them at the top of Group B.
He assured the team of his administration’s unwavering backing. “I want our girls to know that we are fully behind them,” the governor stated.
“They have nothing to worry about — their state and nation stand solidly with them. We want them to defeat Sundowns on Saturday and make Edo State and Nigeria proud.”

Okpebholo also expressed confidence that the Queens could go on to win the tournament, promising that his administration will prioritize sports development across Edo State.
“Go ahead and win the cup and bring it to your fatherland. Sports will surely receive the attention it deserves under my government,” he affirmed.

Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Premier League, began their CAF campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe.
A goalless draw with Egypt’s Masar FC kept them at the top of Group B, positioning them for a semifinal berth if they secure a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm local time on Saturday.

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