Sports

LSSC Boss Meets Teen Squash Star Over Viral Video, Promises Action on LG Hurdle

Published

1 month ago

September 3, 2026

LSSC Boss Meets Teen Squash Star Over Viral Video, Promises Action on LG Hurdle

When a young athlete’s equipment is locked away behind bureaucratic walls, it is not just a racket that is lost—it is a dream, a medal, and a future. That was the painful reality for 15-year-old squash sensation Mariam (Tanimola) Oshodi, who was forced to miss a crucial regional tournament after officials from Surulere Local Government sealed her mother’s shop, trapping her sports gear inside. The incident, which sparked outrage after a viral video surfaced on TikTok, has now prompted a high-level intervention from the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) . On Wednesday, the commission’s Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, personally met with Mariam and her mother, Kafayat (Abike) Oshodi, to address the matter, offer immediate support, and chart a path forward to ensure such administrative hurdles never rob another young talent of their shot at glory.

The sequence of events that led to Mariam’s heartbreaking withdrawal from the tournament began with a routine local government exercise. Mariam, who proudly represents Lagos State in the U-15 squash category, had been training rigorously for a regional competition, and her squash racket—the very tool of her trade—was stored in her mother’s shop. However, when Mariam arrived to retrieve it, she found the shop locked by local government officials, who reportedly cited environmental sanitation infractions as justification for the action. According to Mrs. Oshodi, the family had made every effort to keep the premises clean, yet the officials proceeded with the lockdown regardless. Matters worsened when, while she was away out of town, her daughter took matters into her own hands. In the now-viral video, Kafayat Oshodi emotionally recounted how her daughter took some of the medals she had won in previous competitions to the local government office, showing them to the officials in the hope that her achievements would convince them of the racket’s importance to her career. She alleged, however, that the officials still refused to give the young athlete access to the shop, leaving her helpless, without her equipment, and ultimately unable to compete—a devastating blow for a rising star who had worked tirelessly to earn her place on the national stage.

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Following the public outcry generated by the video, the Lagos State Sports Commission acted swiftly and decisively. During Wednesday’s meeting with the Oshodi family, DG Lekan Fatodu listened intently to their ordeal and assured them that the commission would not treat this as an isolated incident. He reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to youth development, stating that the dream of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is to see young talents discovered in Lagos and nurtured to their full potential, and that any action by anyone or any entity that seeks to negate that lofty ambition for youth empowerment through sports would be a massive disservice to efforts on talent development. He confirmed that the commission would immediately engage the Surulere Local Government to discuss the incident and prevent a repeat of such administrative missteps, making it clear that bureaucratic barriers have no place in the state’s sports development agenda.

While appreciating the consistent support the commission has shown her daughter over the years, Mrs. Oshodi used the meeting to issue a heartfelt plea for greater systemic collaboration. She urged the commission to strengthen its engagement with other government institutions so that administrative actions do not inadvertently sabotage the dreams of young athletes—especially young girls in sports, who often face additional barriers to participation. Her call for stronger inter-agency communication has resonated widely across social media, with many Nigerians applauding her courage and calling for systemic change in how local authorities interact with community members, particularly families raising children in competitive sports. The mother’s appeal has underscored a critical gap in governance: the need for all arms of government to recognise and protect the aspirations of young sporting talents, regardless of which agency holds the keys to their future.

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In a significant and forward-looking move, DG Fatodu outlined a three-pronged strategy to ensure that no young athlete suffers a similar fate in the future. First, the commission will activate a robust policy framework designed to safeguard athletes’ access to training equipment and facilities, even when administrative actions are carried out by other government agencies. Second, it will establish improved communication channels, including dedicated hotlines and digital platforms, for parents and young athletes to report urgent concerns, ensuring swift resolution of issues that could affect competition participation. Third, the commission will intensify cross-government awareness campaigns across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to educate officials on the critical need to protect and support emerging sporting talents in Lagos State. These measures, Fatodu explained, are not merely reactive but are part of a broader vision to institutionalise athlete welfare and prevent future incidents through proactive governance.

This timely intervention comes at a pivotal moment for Lagos sports, as the state prepares to host the maiden National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, scheduled from October 1 to 15—a landmark event that underscores Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to grassroots sports development. With millions of naira invested in sporting infrastructure and talent identification programmes, the LSSC is keen to send a clear message that Lagos is open for sports business, and it will not allow bureaucratic red tape to dim the shine of its young champions. The state is positioning itself as a national hub for sports excellence, and cases like Mariam’s only strengthen the resolve of policymakers to build a more athlete-friendly ecosystem from the ground up.

Looking ahead, the Oshodi family has expressed gratitude for the commission’s swift response and remains hopeful that Mariam will bounce back stronger from this setback. The young squash player, who has already amassed a collection of medals in her young career, is determined to return to the court and continue her journey toward representing Nigeria on the international stage. For now, the Lagos State Sports Commission has pledged to follow up with the local government and ensure that all parties are aligned in the mission to empower, not hinder, the next generation of Nigerian athletes. The coming weeks will be critical as the commission translates its policy promises into concrete actions, and all eyes will be on Surulere to see how local authorities respond to this wake-up call.

LSSC Boss Meets Teen Squash Star Over Viral Video, Promises Action on LG Hurdle

Related Topics:LSSC Boss Squash Viral Video

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Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Published

4 days ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, producing a strong performance despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result extended Portugal’s perfect start under head coach Jorge Jesus, who has now overseen three victories from three matches since taking charge of the national team.

Playing in Copenhagen, Portugal took the lead in the 13th minute when João Cancelo finished from close range after Denmark struggled to clear the ball.

The hosts responded when Mikkel Damsgaard produced a composed finish to level the score.

Portugal regained the advantage shortly afterwards through Gonçalo Ramos, who found the net at the near post to make it 2-1.

Denmark refused to surrender and drew level again early in the second half through Rasmus Højlund.

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Portugal then regained control of the contest, with Vitinha heading home in the 57th minute to restore the visitors’ lead.

João Félix completed the scoring three minutes from full time, finishing a counter-attack to secure the 4-2 victory.

The match was played against the backdrop of Ronaldo’s absence after the veteran forward left Portugal’s training camp before the game.

Ronaldo’s departure followed a decision by Jesus not to start him against Denmark. The 41-year-old subsequently said in a social media post that he would explain the circumstances surrounding his exit at a later time.

With Ronaldo unavailable, Jesus handed Ramos the responsibility of leading the attack, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward responded with Portugal’s second goal.

The victory moved Portugal to nine points from three matches in the competition and maintained their winning run under Jesus.

Denmark, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another match in which they twice came from behind but were unable to prevent Portugal from taking all three points.

Portugal will continue their Nations League campaign against Norway, while attention is expected to remain on Ronaldo and his future involvement with the national team.

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Sports

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Published

5 days ago

October 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark, following reports of tension over his role in the team.

Ronaldo’s departure came after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the 41-year-old forward would not start against Denmark.

The situation reportedly followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match despite warming up during the game.

According to reports, Ronaldo was unhappy after he was not introduced and went straight to the dressing room at the final whistle rather than joining his teammates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters.

Jesus later addressed the issue and acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy with the decision, but denied that there had been a major confrontation between the two.

The Portugal coach also dismissed reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, explaining that the forward had instead completed individual mobility and strengthening exercises.

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The situation intensified after Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would again not be in the starting lineup for the Denmark vs Portugal fixture, with Gonçalo Ramos expected to lead the attack.

Jesus said Ronaldo could still be introduced as a substitute depending on how the match developed.

Ronaldo subsequently held a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen.

The Portugal captain later posted a statement on social media confirming his departure and indicating that he would explain the circumstances behind the decision at a later time.

He did not directly accuse Jesus or the Portuguese federation of wrongdoing in the statement.

The episode has nevertheless generated renewed questions about Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team, particularly as he approaches the later stages of his international career.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and one of the country’s most decorated players. He has also previously indicated that his playing career is approaching its final stage.

For now, the confirmed sequence is that Ronaldo was left unused against Norway, Jesus subsequently announced that he would not start against Denmark, Ronaldo met with the federation president and then left the training camp.

Portugal’s immediate focus remains its Nations League campaign, while further details about Ronaldo’s decision are expected to emerge if the player follows through on his promise to explain the circumstances.

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Sports

Super Eagles Suffer Bissau Nightmare as Guinea-Bissau Smash Nigeria 3-0

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles after their defeat to Guinea Bissau

Super Eagles Suffer Bissau Nightmare as Guinea-Bissau Smash Nigeria 3-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a stunning 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday night, as their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign suffered a major setback in Bissau.

The hosts produced a dominant display at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to move to the top of Group L with six points from two matches.

Franculino Djú put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute after receiving a long pass from Renato Nhaga. He worked his way into the Nigerian penalty area before curling a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Super Eagles struggled to find their rhythm after conceding and failed to create enough clear chances to trouble the hosts before the interval.

Coach Eric Chelle responded at the start of the second half by introducing Moses Simon and Moses Usor for Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka.

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The changes did little to alter the pattern of the match, with Guinea-Bissau continuing to pose the greater attacking threat.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Mama Baldé, who collected a pass from Mamadi Camará before cutting into the Nigerian box and firing a low shot past Nwabali.

Chelle subsequently brought on George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika for Akor Adams and Wilfred Ndidi, while Tolu Arokodare replaced Ademola Lookman.

Ilenikhena came close to reducing the deficit late in the game, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Embadjé made another important save to preserve his side’s two-goal advantage.

Nigeria’s miserable night was completed in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló finished a through ball from Tamble Monteiro to make it 3-0.

The result leaves Nigeria with three points from two matches, following their opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have six points after beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture before defeating Nigeria.

Madagascar and Tanzania drew 1-1 in the other Group L match.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the qualifying position available to the highest-ranked non-host nation in the group.

The Super Eagles will have an opportunity to respond when they face Tanzania in a double-header during the November international window.

For Chelle and his players, however, the 3-0 defeat in Bissau leaves little room for another disappointing performance as the AFCON 2027 qualifying race continues.