Five-set club thriller and dominant professional finals light up Lagos Country Club
LAGOS, Nigeria — The glass courts of Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, crackled with intensity over two thrilling weeks as the 2nd SIAO Closed & Club Invitational Squash Tournament drew the curtain on a landmark edition, reinforcing its growing stature on Nigeria’s national squash calendar.
Staged in early December, the tournament featured an elite cast of over 80 male and female players, seamlessly blending fierce club rivalries with the precision and pace of a PSA world-ranking event. From grinding five-set battles to ruthless professional performances, the championship delivered squash at its very best.
Muazu Dahir, Captain, Squash Section, Olawale Sonola, a Partner in SIAO, Sir Ladi Smith, Director, SIAO, Patron of Squash Section,Lagos Country Club, winner of Open Men category, Dr. Bunmi Apata, Lagos Country Club, Mr. Wilson Sunday Egberipou, President Nigerian Squash Federation (NSF), Mr. Abiodun Ariyibi, Managing Partner, SIAO and Mr. Sesan Asani, Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club.
Tournament sponsors SIAO Partners hailed the event’s rising profile and the alignment between the sport and their corporate philosophy.
“At SIAO Partners, we believe in excellence, structure, discipline and long-term value—the same principles that squash represents,” said Mr. Abiodun Ariyibi, Managing Partner of SIAO Partners, at the opening ceremony.
“This tournament is another exciting celebration of squash excellence and a step toward building a lasting sporting tradition.”
Muazu Dahir, Captain, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, Prince Sola Adekunle
NSF Board member and Chairman of Yellowdot Squash Club, Arc Funmi Bamkole, Past President of LCC, Past Chairman of Squash Section and Winner of the Super Veteran closed category and Mr. Wilson Sunday Egberipou, President Nigerian Squash Federation (NSF)
Professional Finals: Ruthless and Refined
The professional categories showcased clinical dominance from two of Nigeria’s finest.
In the PSA Ladies Final, tournament favorite Rofiat Abdulazeez was in imperious form, dismantling Mostural Durosilorun in straight games, 3–0 (11/5, 11/8, 11/3). Abdulazeez’s relentless movement and immaculate length left her opponent chasing shadows.
The men’s final followed a similar script. Gabriel Olufunmilayo produced a masterclass in control and accuracy, overpowering Shuaib Giwa 3–0 (11/2, 11/2, 11/6) to underline his command of the domestic professional scene.
Club Men’s Final: An Epic Five-Set War
While the professionals impressed with efficiency, the Club Men’s Invitational Final delivered raw emotion and edge-of-the-seat drama.
Backed by a roaring home crowd, Bunmi Apata of Lagos Country Club locked horns with Clement Efakpokire of Ikoyi Club in a pulsating five-set duel marked by momentum swings, lung-bursting rallies and nerve-shredding tie-breaks. Apata eventually prevailed 3–2 (11/7, 9/11, 12/10, 7/11, 11/4) in a contest that embodied the spirit of competitive squash.
Muazu Dahir, Captain, Squash Section, Olawale Sonola, a Partner in SIAO, Sir Semoore Badejo, immediate Past Chairman,Squash Section, Lagos Country Club, winner of Open Veteran category, Clement Efakpokire, Ikoyi Club, Mr. Wilson Sunday Egberipou, President Nigerian Squash Federation (NSF), Mr. Abiodun Ariyibi, Managing Partner, SIAO and Mr. Sesan Asani, Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club.
Reflecting on the match at the closing ceremony, Mr. Ariyibi singled it out for special praise.
“The match between Bunmi Apata and Clement Efakpokire reflected the high standard, resilience and sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition,” he said.
Veteran Honors and a Strong Finish
Efakpokire found redemption in the Veteran Final, sweeping past Femi Bankole 3–0, while Sanni Kabir claimed the Super Veteran title with a straight-sets victory over Funmi Bankole.
As the curtains fell on a memorable edition, the SIAO Invitational firmly established itself as a vital bridge between club passion and professional ambition, with expectations already high for an even bigger showcase in the years ahead.
FINAL SCORECARDS: Champions
| Category | Winner | Runner-Up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA Men | Gabriel Olufunmilayo | Shuaib Giwa | 3–0 (11/2, 11/2, 11/6) |
| PSA Ladies | Rofiat Abdulazeez | Mostural Durosilorun | 3–0 (11/5, 11/8, 11/3) |
| Club Men | Bunmi Apata | Clement Efakpokire | 3–2 (11/7, 9/11, 12/10, 7/11, 11/4) |
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