By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Dec. 3, 2023 (NAN) The President of the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Boye Oyerinde has commended the organisers of the maiden 2O23 Squash Open in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament which began on Thursday ended on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja.
Oyerinde told NAN on the sidelines of the tournament that 2023 has been one of the biggest surprises in Squash, as there has been a rise in the game in the country.
“It’s been an interesting year. This is most likely the final tournament of the year, and it’s a PSA event.
“This is about the 10th PSA tournament of the year, so we can’t ask for more. 2023 has been one of the biggest surprises. “There is a really good rise in the game of squash in Nigeria, and we are happy about it. It’s been a very good year indeed for our players,” he said.
He applauded Bala Sports Limited (BSL) and Childcare and Wellness Clinics, the organizers of the tournament for the cash prize.
The NSF boss expressed confidence that the game of squash would build on what they achieved in 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ochonogor Kingsley, the Health Service Manager of Childcare and Wellness Clinics, said the game is interesting, adding that it was the reason why the various stakeholders supported the tournament.
“We love the game of squash. From what we have witnessed, it was indeed breathtaking and intense.
“The coming years will be better than this one since it’s its maiden competition.
“Of course, there is always room for improvement,” he said.
NAN also reports that
in the Men’s category, Gabriel Olufunmilayo pulled off an upset by winning all three sets against Nigeria’s number one, Onaopemipo Adegoke 14-12, 11-6, 11-7, to emerge as champion.
The women’s category saw Nigeria’s number 1 ranked player, Rofiat Abdulazeez, crowned as the first female champion of the tournament.
This was after achieving a flawless three-set victory 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 over a returning number two ranked player Busayo Olatunji.
Both champions went home with N500,000 each.
The spectators weren’t left out as well as they smiled home with various items, including a lucky winner of a brand new car following a raffle draw.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
