Young Talents Excel at 6th Adebiyi Racket Festival

The sixth edition of the Mama Tunde Alaso Racket Festival took place at the Ibadan Recreation Club, opposite Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, concluding over the weekend. Organized by former Nigerian squash player Adekunle Adebiyi, the tournament featured young talents and established players competing in badminton, squash, and tennis.

In badminton, Adenekan Samuel from Ogun State defeated Abayomi Samuel 2-0 in the men's final, while Odunayo Omotayo also from Ogun State won the women's final against Babatunde Dolapo of Ondo State 2-0. The squash finals included tight matches, with Esther Bob winning the Under-15 girls' final against Elizabeth Adebayo 3-0, and Miracle Ekpo edging Daniel Awe 3-2 in the boys' final.

In the Under-19 category, Zainab Ishola defeated Elizabeth Adebayo 3-1, and Elisha Daniel overcame Nanme Rindap 3-2. Prize money was sponsored by Taylor Afolayan, President of the Nigeria Squash Federation, who attended the event alongside other dignitaries, emphasizing the need for more private sector support for grassroots sports development.