Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tunde Eludini
Published on 2024-04-07 11:33:31
The second JGM national squash tournament held at the Recreation Club in Ibadan showcased four days of thrilling matches, culminating in the crowning of champions across different categories. The tournament offered a total cash prize of N1 million along with valuable ranking points that attracted aspiring young players eager to make their mark on the international stage.
In the U16 Girls category, Aishat Abdulraheem from Kwara emerged victorious by defeating Zainob Ishola from Lagos in the final match. Lovette Balogun from Kwara and Chioma Ude from Lagos shared the third-place position. On the other hand, Matthew Yusuf from Lagos dominated the U16 Boys competition, securing the top prize, with Shuiab Giwa from Kwara finishing as the runner-up. Mitcheal Etuk-Udo from JESC and Muhibudeen Shehu from Kwara shared the joint third-place position. The champions in both categories received a cash prize of N40,000 each, while the runners-up were awarded N30,000 each. Additionally, the semifinalists and players who made it to the Round of 16 were also rewarded with cash prizes.
In the U19 division, the competition was equally intense, with Awawu Balogun from Ogun clinching the top spot in the U19 Girls category. Khadija Abdulraheem from Kwara was the runner-up, and Ahisat Abdulraheem from Kwara and Delight Allison from JESC shared the joint third-place position. Dominion Utukpe from LA/JHSF emerged as the champion in the U19 Boys category, with Samuel Nduka-Uba from LA securing the runner-up position. Shuiab Giwa from Kwara once again claimed a joint third-place finish, sharing the honor with Wisdom Nzei from JESC. The winners in the U19 categories received a cash prize of N70,000 each, while the runners-up were awarded N40,000 each, and the joint third-place finishers received N25,000 each.
The President of the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Boye Oyerinde, commended the high level of play displayed at the tournament and praised the organizers for putting together a successful event. The tournament was sponsored by JGM Residential Maintenance Services Limited, with Niyi Oyewumi as the major financier. Several dignitaries and former international squash players were in attendance at the final games held at the Recreation Club in Ibadan.
Overall, the tournament received accolades for promoting the sport of squash in Nigeria and providing a platform for young talent to showcase their skills. With a promising future ahead, the JGM national squash tournament is expected to grow in stature and attract even more participants and supporters in the coming years.
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