Sixteen-year-old Yusuf Quadri stunned spectators on Thursday as he emerged victorious in the men’s final of the IGP Squash Contenders Invitational Classics, defeating senior top-seeded player Lanre Abdulrahman in a thrilling five-set showdown in Lagos.
The fiercely contested match saw Quadri claim victory with scores of 11/5, 11/13, 11/9, 6/11, and 13/7—cementing his place as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.
In the women’s singles final, top seed Olatunji Jadesola delivered a commanding performance, overpowering Modupe Faniyi in four sets with a scoreline of 11/7, 7/11, 11/5, and 11/4 to clinch the title.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Abubakar Yakubu praised the quality of play at the tournament, describing it as both a celebration of talent and a powerful platform for youth development.
“We saw the best of squash. The players showed real class, and every moment was truly exciting,” Yakubu said after the finals.
Yakubu, who also serves as the Police Sports Secretary, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to nurturing talent through well-structured sporting events. “This is our first edition in Lagos. We definitely look forward to hosting more events like this,” he added confidently.
Chairman of Nigeria Police Squash, CSP Charity Enebeli, described the tournament as a resounding success and praised the athletes for their sportsmanship.
“This is the first time we are having this tournament in Lagos and we’re amazed by the turnout and zeal of these players.
“The Nigeria Police Force remain focused and dedicated to producing the best squash players to ever grace the courts. Currently, we have some of our officers in the top five best players in the country.
“We recorded great results. The players gave their best, and we’re proud of how the event turned out,” Enebeli said.
President of the Nigeria Squash Federation, Boye Oyerinde, also lauded the level of competition, particularly among junior players.
“Our young talents proved they belong on this stage. Their performance shows the future of squash is bright.
It’s a good thing that most of the top-seeded players didn’t participate, because this win will prepare these young players mentally that they are capable of winning.
What the Nigeria Police Force has done by organising this tournament is commendable,” he noted.
Oyerinde expressed gratitude to sponsors and called for more grassroots tournaments to help young players grow and gain national exposure.
Both Quadri and Jadesola expressed pride in their achievements and revealed their focus is now on excelling at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Among the notable squash enthusiasts present at the finals were Sola Adekunle, Chairman of Yellow Dot Squash Club; Femi Adeyemo; Captain Dayo Awobokun; and Nollywood A-list actor, Ramsey Nouah.