The October 2026 edition of the Niger State Squash League has concluded, with Obadiah Ishaya from Kaduna State emerging as the overall winner. The tournament took place at the Minna Sports Club and the On-Demand Squash & Fitness Club in Minna, the capital of Niger State. Obadiah defeated Nanme Rindaps from Plateau State 3-0 in the senior boys category to claim the top spot.
In addition to Obadiah's victory, Chimaobi Emmanuel won the junior intermediate category after defeating Musa John 3-2. Meanwhile, Isaac Afokhai secured the Intermediate category title by defeating Friday Shedrack 3-0. The tournament, which is a monthly event, has been gaining traction, with players from neighboring states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, participating.
The founder of the On-Demand Squash and Fitness Club, Minna, Dr. Yahaya Na'uzo, presented various sums of cash prizes to the winners. He commended the Chairperson of the Niger State Squash Rackets Association (NSSA), Mrs. Taiwo Olukemi Akinkoye, for partnering with the club to successfully organize the October edition. Dr. Na'uzo expressed his satisfaction that his dream of contributing to sports development in the state has come to fruition.
Dr. Yahaya Na'uzo, a veteran squash player, stated that he was motivated to invest in the sports sector due to his passion for squash and the need to provide job opportunities for youths. He encouraged well-to-do Nigerians, particularly Nigerlites, to invest in the sports sector as a means of reducing youth unemployment. Na'uzo attributed his success to Allah and emphasized the importance of private sector participation in sports development.
The NSSA Chairperson, Mrs. Taiwo Olukemi Akinkoye, expressed gratitude to God for the growth of the league, which started as a small initiative last year. She congratulated the winners and encouraged those who lost to work harder to win in future events. Akinkoye noted that the October edition was the biggest so far, with about 50 players from within and outside Niger State participating.
The Niger State Squash League has been gaining momentum, attracting players from neighboring states and the FCT. The league's growth is a testament to the efforts of the NSSA and the On-Demand Squash and Fitness Club. The event has provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and compete with others from different states.
The conclusion of the October edition of the Niger State Squash League marks a significant milestone in the development of squash in the state. The event has demonstrated the potential for private sector investment in sports development and the importance of partnerships between organizations to promote sports growth. The winners, Obadiah Ishaya, Isaac Afokhai, and Chimaobi Emmanuel, have emerged as top players in their respective categories.
Key points
- The Niger State Squash League has attracted players from neighboring states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
- Obadiah Ishaya, Isaac Afokhai, and Chimaobi Emmanuel emerged as winners in their respective categories.
- The league's growth is attributed to the efforts of the NSSA and the On-Demand Squash and Fitness Club.
