Adegoke and Abudulazeez Progress in Prime Atlantic Open

Onaopemipo Adegoke and Rofiat Abudulazeez, the top-ranked squash players in Nigeria’s men’s and women’s categories, have qualified for the third round of the ongoing Prime Atlantic Squash Open, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The four-day event, the second edition of the Prime Atlantic Squash Open, began at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos on Tuesday.

Adegoke, the defending champion in the men’s category, received a walk-over when his opponent, Matthew Jimoh, didn’t show up. Gbenga Olowoyo also advanced to the next round due to the absence of Femi Shedara.

In other men’s results, Ismail Abubakar defeated Abdulraheem Durosilorun in three straight sets: 11-6, 11-6, 11-2.

Olufunmilayo Gabriel also beat Ishaya Obadiah 11-5, 11-3, 11-6 in 25 minutes, while Olawale Michael defeated Bassey Etim 11-2, 11-6, 11-6 to reach the third round.

In the women’s second round, Abudulazeez, Abdulraheem Khadija, Mistura Durosilorun, Blessings Isaac, Riskat Ahmed, Jadesola Olatunji, Grace Okon Udeme James, Awawu Balogun, Ruth Okoro Rebecca Auta, and Ibukunoluwa Ajani all qualified for the third round.

After the first round of matches, tournament director Wasiu Sanni expressed delight at the level of competitiveness among the players.

“The first edition was very impressive, and we had Adegoke emerge as champion,” Sanni told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“This edition is even more elaborate, and we believe it will be more competitive,” Sanni said.

“The quality of performance displayed by these players has been terrific, and besides that, we hope to use tournaments like these to scout young talent for the future.

“Now that squash is an Olympic sport, we aim to nurture them so that we can have strong representatives for Nigeria in 2028.”

Durosilorun, ranked 5th in Nigeria’s women’s category, remains confident about reaching the round of 32 as the event continues on Wednesday (today).

“I had a great start to the tournament, and I hope to continue in that vein tomorrow (today),” Durosilorun said after her victory over Uduakobong.

Durosilorun defeated Uduakobong in three straight sets (11-7, 11-1, 11-2).

“The energy level in the tournament is very high, but I’m ready to win here and improve my ranking.”