Last month saw the return of Nigeria’s premier Squash tournament – the Lagos International Classic after a year off.
The tournament was sponsored by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission and was jointly organized by the Lagos State Squash Association in conjunction with the Nigeria Squash Federation, aligned with sanctioning by the Professional Squash Association.
Official Tournament Logo (image credit Professional Squash Association)
The tournament attracted 15 teams, including Nigeria who competed against England, India, Egypt, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Ireland, Iraq, South Africa, Belgium, United States, Pakistan, India, and the Czech Republic in a six-day tournament, held the at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
Once again, coverage was limited to local media, but it was good to know the tournament was streamed on YouTube Live.
At stake was prize money of $20,000, of which men would share $15,000.00 and women receiving $5,000.00. Oddly enough, in 2014 the prize money saw men’s category is $25,000 and women jostle for the $15,000 prize money.
Squash stars of Nigeria
The Nigeria Squash Association has been around since 1974 and the country is a proud member of the Squash Federation of Africa, alongside other African nations who have Squash teams. Like most countries, Squash in Nigeria is going through a strong revival of development, mainly as the Lagos International Classic tournament is helping raise the profile of the senior players; who will inspire the junior squash squad and encourage the people of Nigeria to get the players in world tournaments.
In terms of leading players, from the men’s category US-based Babatunde Ajagbe was leading the charge with twelve other players, including Sodiq Taiwo (national no.1), and tournament newbie Tunde Ajagbe – who was participating in his first campaign.
The leading ladies of Nigeria for this year’s Lagos International Classic included Yemisi Taiwo Bolarinwa, Yemisi Olatunji, Idowu Ogunyemi, Yemisi Owokole, Adeleke Adebisi, Ruthe Okoro, Chidinma Adima, Kally Yashim, and Kafayat Abisola Idris.
Egypt continued success
Men’s winner Karim El-Hammany of Egypt(Image credit: The Guardian Nigeria)
Once again, Team Egyptian won another championship trophy to add to their collection. The men’s final saw World No. 71 Karim El-Hammany, win the $15,000 despite being injured. The women’s final saw Salma Youssef beat Menna Nasser 3-2 to claim $5,000 in prize money.
As for Nigerian players, well Yemisi Olatunji was the only representative of the home nation, who progressed to the semi-finals but lost to Menna Nasser; despite this young Yemisi will increase her rankings on the Women’s Squash Association table.
Great times ahead for Nigeria Squash and more cultural diversity in Squash
In closing, the Lagos International Classic tournament will be the event that will inspire young people of Nigeria to take up Squash, especially now the country has received strong support from other Africa Nations to build a strong grassroots program.
Given the cultural diversity of Squash, perhaps it is time for a PSA-sanctioned International Classic tournament to be held in a Caribbean country, such as Jamaica or even Barbados. Both countries have strong players at the senior level and rich history of competing in PSA sanctioned Squash tournaments around the world.
With Squash playing nations like Nigeria, hosting Squash competitions will enhance the image of the sport to young black people as a way of engaging activity than other sports.
