For the first time in four years, the Table Tennis Men’s Singles title at the Lagos State Head of Service (HOS) Games has a new champion — Yisau Ibrahim of the Primary Health Education Board (PHEB).
In what has long been one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the annual Games, Ibrahim finally shattered a four-year jinx by defeating his familiar rival, Hamzat Rasaq of LASUED, in a tense 3-2 encounter that had the crowd roaring with excitement.
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For the past four editions, the finals had always featured the same two names: Rasaq and Ibrahim. And for four consecutive years, Rasaq had emerged champion, leaving Ibrahim to settle for silver each time. Many expected the 2025 edition to follow the same script — but this time, the underdog had other plans.
Ibrahim’s relentless training, focus, and self-belief made the difference. Within minutes, the unexpected happened: he clinched the decisive set to end Rasaq’s reign and claim his first-ever Head of Service Games gold medal. The eruption of cheers that followed spoke volumes about how much the victory meant to both fans and fellow athletes.
Speaking exclusively to Awijare News, an emotional Ibrahim expressed his joy and gratitude for his breakthrough moment.
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“I feel so happy and great,” he said. “My consistency in training gave me this victory because I’ve been training every day. I dedicate a lot of time to practice, and today, it paid off.”
Asked about his previous experiences, Ibrahim revealed that this was not his first time facing Rasaq in the final.
“Yes, I’ve played him before. He’s been the defending champion for four years. But today, I broke the jinx,” he smiled. “It feels so good to finally win.”
The victory marks a defining moment in the HOS Games’ table tennis history — a story of persistence, redemption, and the power of consistency.
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As the celebration settled, Ibrahim made a bold promise for 2026:
“I promise to defend my trophy next year.”
With determination like that, Lagos sports fans may yet witness another thrilling chapter in what has become one of the most entertaining rivalries in the Head of Service Games.
