Kwara State’s U-16 and U-19 squash teams showcased their prowess by clinching three gold, one silver, and one bronze medals at the 3rd JGM All Nigeria U-16 and U-19 Boys and Girls National Squash Tournament, held at the Bolakale Adisa Mogaji Squash Court, George Agbazika Inih Stadium, Ilorin.
In the U-19 boys’ category, Shuaib Giwa of Kwara State defeated Joshua Daniel of Lagos State convincingly in straight sets: 11-4, 11-3, and 11-1. Similarly, in the U-19 girls’ category, Aisha Lawal of Kwara State outclassed Zainab Ishola of Lagos, winning 11-4, 11-5, and 11-8.
In the U-16 boys’ final, Joshua Daniel of Lagos overcame Bishop Etibong with scores of 11-7, 11-4, and 11-9. Meanwhile, in the U-16 girls’ category, Aisha AbdulRaheem of Kwara State claimed gold after defeating Loveth Balogun in straight sets: 11-7, 11-9, and 11-6.
Speaking with sports writers after the finals, Emmanuel Oyeniyi Oyewumi, the sponsor of the tournament, lauded the Kwara State Sports Commission for accepting to host the event in Ilorin. He described the Bolakale Adisa Mogaji Squash Court as the best squash facility in Nigeria.
Oyeniyi emphasized that the JGM Squash Tournament aims to nurture young talents, promote squash development, and foster community engagement.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, commended the sponsor for choosing Ilorin as the host city.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to enhance sports development across the state.
Sports Commission Boss also urged various sports associations to take advantage of the enabling environment created by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to attract sponsorships and organize more programs and events.
The tournament, which featured participants from seven states—Lagos, Abia, Ogun, Oyo, FCT, Kwara, and three squash academies—was rounded off with the presentation of prizes to winners and runners-up after four days of intense competition.
