Nigeria’s rising squash star, Quadri Yusuf, once again underlined his dominance on the domestic scene by successfully defending both the Under-19 and Senior Men’s titles at the 2026 Prime Atlantic Squash Championship in Lagos.
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Yusuf completed a remarkable double after edging rival Giwa in two thrilling five-set finals, winning both matches 3-2 to retain the titles he claimed in 2025. The victories also mirrored last year’s finals, where Yusuf defeated the same opponent by identical scorelines.
The achievement further cements Yusuf’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest squash prospects, having conquered both the junior and senior divisions for the second consecutive year.
In the women’s events, defending champion Rofiat Abdulazeez successfully retained her Senior Women’s title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Misturah Durosinlorun, while Loveth Balogun claimed the Under-19 Girls’ title after defeating Zainab Ishola 3-2 in a closely contested final.
Speaking after his triumph, Yusuf described defending both titles as even more challenging than winning them for the first time.
“I am very happy to win both categories again. It shows that the hard work and sacrifices throughout the year have paid off.
Winning once can be difficult, but defending the titles is even harder because everyone wants to beat you. Giwa pushed me to my limits in both finals and I had to stay focused from beginning to end.”
Reflecting on his rivalry with Giwa, Yusuf noted that their contests had matured significantly compared to the previous edition.
“Last year was like a battlefield. We were younger and more emotional. This year, we showed more maturity, respect and composure on the court.
We both understand the game better now. We fought hard for every point, but we remained professional throughout. I think that is a positive sign for Nigerian squash.”
Despite suffering defeats in both finals, Giwa remained optimistic, saying the experience had strengthened his belief that his breakthrough moment would come.
“It hurts to lose both finals after coming so close. I gave everything I had and unfortunately it was not enough.
However, I will take the positives from this experience. Playing in two finals has shown me that I am improving, and I believe my time will come.”
Abdulazeez credited discipline and tactical execution for her dominant performance in the women’s final.
“I am delighted to defend my title. Every tournament comes with pressure, especially when you are the defending champion.
I stayed focused on my game plan and tried not to underestimate any opponent. Winning this title again means a lot to me and motivates me to keep improving.”
Representing Prime Atlantic Group Managing Director Ayo Otuyalo, Marketing and Corporate Manager Tobiloba Ariyo praised the high standard of competition and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting squash development in Nigeria.
“The quality of matches we have witnessed this year has been exceptional. Every edition of the tournament continues to surpass the previous one.
We are proud to support a competition that discovers talents, develops players and contributes to the growth of squash in Nigeria.”
Chairman of the Lagos State Squash Association, Tomi Falase, also commended the players and sponsors, revealing that the fifth edition of the championship is expected to be bigger following the success of this year’s tournament.
He noted that several players who impressed in the tournament’s early editions have now emerged as champions at senior level, describing it as clear evidence of the competition’s role in nurturing future stars of Nigerian squash.
