Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tunde Eludini
Published on 2024-04-01 13:46:37
The ancient city of Ibadan is gearing up to host one of the most highly anticipated tournaments on the Nigerian squash calendar, the JGM U-19 and U-16 Boys and Girls National Squash Tournament. Scheduled to take place at the Ibadan Recreation Club from 3-6 April, this event promises to showcase the best young talent in the country.
Tournament Director Debo Ogunmuyiwa, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, shared insights into the upcoming event. He mentioned that this year’s tournament is a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Squash Federation, the Oyo State Squash Association, and the Ibadan Recreation Club. The Nigerian Squash Federation’s involvement is crucial as it sanctions the tournament, giving it national recognition.
In addition to the main competition, the tournament will feature a special side attraction highlighting the four best-ranked squash players in Nigeria: Gabriel Olufumilayo, Kehinde Samuel, Abel Shedrack, and Faruq Suleiman. The registration for the tournament has closed, with over 120 entries received. However, the final number of participants is expected to be slightly lower after a review.
Participants and officials will be provided with meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the event, and there will be an after-party to celebrate the competition. A total of one million Naira in monetary prizes will be awarded, with all players reaching the round of 16 or above receiving a payout. Mr. Ogunmuyiwa emphasized that the prize money is equal across genders, ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
The JGM Squash Tournament has seen steady growth over the years. What started as a small clinic five years ago has evolved into a tournament encompassing Southwest states and is now recognized as a national event. Past participants have showcased their skills in national tournaments, showcasing the positive impact of the tournament on young players.
The opening day fixtures promise exciting matches, such as Joshua Daniel facing Ejiro Godspower in the U-19 Boys category and Damilare Awe taking on Bright Monday in the U-16 Boys category. The Girls U-19 category will feature a thrilling match between Deborah Idowu and Adesewa Adedeji.
With a focus on inclusivity, competitive spirit, and rewarding both achievement and participation, the JGM National Squash Tournament is set to be a significant event for squash in Nigeria. The growing acceptance of squash across the country, supported by corporate sponsors like JGM owned by former national squash champion Niyi Oyewumi, highlights the sport’s potential for further development and success.
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