A Lagos-based U-16 female Squash player, Zainob Ishola, has attributed her success in the ongoing Prime Atlantic open in Lagos to hard work and persistence.

Ms Ishola defeated Leona Iyelih-Omoefe, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4 to reach finals of the 2024 edition Lagos squash open.

Ms Ishola said in Lagos that the competition had been successful as it brought out the best from her and other players.

She also called for more of such competitions to encourage squash players in the country.

She said, “It has been an exciting competition. We wish for more competitions of this nature to keep us busy and bring out the best in us. Hard work, good body movement and persistence had given me the edge over my opponents and this is what I intend to use when I play in the finals.’’

Her opponent, Iyelih-Omoefe, said that despite her loss in the semi-finals, she was proud of her achievement in the competition.

”I played against a tougher opponent whose body movement was faster than mine. But despite the loss, I am still proud of myself. I want to thank the organisers for giving us the opportunity to showcase our talent and prove ourselves,” Ms Iyelih-Omoefe said.

In another semi-finals, Aishat Abdulraheem, defeated Loveth Balogun, 11-5, 11-5, 11-5 (3-0) in the girls U-16 category.

Ms Ishola will play Ms Abdulraheem in the finals of their category.

Similarly, Shuaib Giwa defeated Friday Daniel 11-9, 5-11, 11-5, 11-6 (3-1) to reach the finals of the U-16 boys’ category and where he will play against Matthew Yusuf.

Yusuf had defeated Joshua Daniel 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 (3-0) in the semi-finals.

(NAN)