…Lagos Country Club Witnessed Gritty Five-Set Thrillers and Clinical Professional
Dominance
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The courts of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, sizzled over two weeks as the 2nd SIAO Closed, Club Invitational & PSA Squash Tournament wrapped up a highly successful run, confirming its status as a major fixture on the national squash calendar.
Held across early December, the event attracted an elite field of over 80 male and female players, integrating local club passion with the rigor of a PSA world-ranking competition.
SIAO, the tournament sponsors, celebrated the event’s growing prestige, drawing a parallel between the sport’s demand for precision and their corporate values.
“At SIAO, we believe in excellence, structure, discipline and long-term value, the same principles that squash represents,” said Mr. Abiodun Ariyibi, Managing Partner of SIAO, during the opening ceremony. He hailed the event as “another exciting celebration of squash excellence,” 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)
The professional categories delivered clinical demonstrations of top-tier talent.
In the PSA Ladies Final, the form of the tournament was undeniable: Rofiat Abdulazeez claimed the title in commanding fashion, dispatching Mostural Durosilorun 3–0 (11/5, 11/8, 11/3). Abdulazeez’s court coverage and consistent length proved too much for her opponent.
The PSA Men’s Final saw an equally dominant performance by Gabriel Olufunmilayo, who left no room for doubt with a decisive 3–0 victory over Shuaib Giwa (11/2, 11/2, 11/6). Olufunmilayo’s performance, characterized by ruthless accuracy, underscored his current mastery of the domestic professional scene.
The Epic Five-Setter: Club Rivalry at its Peak
While the professionals demonstrated clinical efficiency, the Club Men’s Invitational Final provided the kind of gritty drama that defines competitive sports.
In a match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats, Bunmi Apata of Lagos Country Club clashed with Ikoyi Club’s Clement Efakpokire. The contest was a true five-set war, marked by momentum swings, crucial tie-breaks, and phenomenal retrieval efforts. Apata ultimately edged out Efakpokire 3–2 (11/7, 9/11, 12/10, 7/11, 11/4) in a physical and mental battle.
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 final at the closing ceremony, Mr. Ariyibi singled out the club match for praise. “The match between Bunmi Apata and Clement Efakpokire reflected the high standard, resilience and sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition,” he stated.
In the age group categories, Efakpokire found redemption in the Veteran final, defeating Femi Bankole 3–0, while Sanni Kabir secured the Super Veteran trophy over Funmi Bankole, also in straight sets.
Muazu Dahir, Captain, Squash Section, Sir Ladi Smith, Director, SIAO, Patron of Squash Section,Lagos Country Club, Mr. Wilson Sunday Egberipou, President Nigerian Squash Federation (NSF), Gabriel Olufunmilayo, winner of PSA Men category, Mr. Abiodun Ariyibi, Managing Partner, SIAO and Mr. Sesan Asani, Chairman, Squash Section, Lagos Country Club.
With a successful 2025 edition now concluded, the SIAO Invitational has cemented its reputation as a vital platform, blending club engagement with professional aspirations, and promising even higher stakes in the years to come.
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.
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