9th Lagos International Badminton Classics: Nigeria Recover with Four Mixed Doubles Pairs in Quarter-Finals

Posted : 29 August 2026

Team Nigeria staged a strong response in the mixed doubles on Friday, securing four quarter-final places at the ongoing 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics in Lagos.

The improved outing came barely a day after Nigeria suffered a disappointing campaign in the women’s singles, where seven players, including the country’s number-one ranked player, Ruth Ebere, were eliminated in the Round of 32.

The tournament is being held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, with players from several countries competing for honours.

Victor Ikechukwu and Kadijat Emiola led Nigeria’s resurgence, defeating Uganda’s Ray Nsubuga and Tracy Naluwooza 21-18, 21-12 to book their place in the last eight.

Saidu Aliyu and Christiana Obasmani also progressed without hitting a shuttle, securing a walkover against India’s Sai Pratheek and Srinidi Narayan.

Kayode Abdulateef and Cynthia Feranmi then produced another impressive performance, overcoming Ghana’s Ofori Acheampong and Racheal Quarcoo 21-15, 23-21 in a closely fought encounter.

Usman Afolabi and Zainab Alabi completed Nigeria’s quartet after recovering from a first-game defeat to beat the United Arab Emirates-Australia combination of S. Munnangi and Stret Yellapragada 14-21, 21-13, 21-17.

The four Nigerian pairs will now look to build on the momentum as the competition enters the decisive stages.

Meanwhile, top seeds Dhruv Rawat and Mannesha K advanced to the next round with a bye.

Uganda’s Muzafaru Lubega and Gladys Mabazi also progressed after defeating Nigeria’s Akinsola and Aminat Ilori.

Ghana’s Lesllie Addo and Jennifer Eduam secured another quarter-final ticket by defeating Nigeria’s Daniel Oyinlola and Samantha Oluwatunmise.

India’s S. Kanapuram and Radhika Sharma completed the quarter-final line-up after eliminating Nigeria’s Aliyu Shehu and U. Ukeh.

Earlier in the women’s singles, Ebere fell to India’s Surya Tamiri, while Tolulope Oluwadamilola, Kadijat Emiola, Ifeoluwa Ojo, Precious Oluwagbotemi, Peace Jonah and Naomi Tanko also lost their respective Round-of-32 matches.

The mixed doubles performance has, however, given the hosts renewed optimism of challenging for honours at the home-based competition.

The 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics, which began on Wednesday, is scheduled to end on Saturday.

9th Lagos International Badminton Classics: Nigeria Recover with Four Mixed Doubles Pairs in Quarter-Finals

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