The Nigeria Top 8 Female Invitational Squash Tournament round up with flair at the Ibadan Recreation Club 1902 with a final match rich in anticipation.
The closing event was graced by several dignitaries like the President of the Nigeria Squash Federation Mr Boye Oyerinde; President of Ibadan Recreation Club 1902, Mr Akinola Olaitan; Chairman of Lagos State Squash Association, Mr Tomi Falase; Chairman of Ondo State Squash Association, Supro Billy Joseph; representatives of Trina Solar Spectrum Etal, Mr Ajayi Obe; members and executive of the Ibadan Recreation Club 1902; Alhaja Romoke Ayinde (Kayrom Lee); officials of the Oyo State Sports Council; members of the Oyo State Squash Association and members of the press.
The match which ended in 3 games awed spectators who were hoping to see more than three games due to the familiar rivalry of both players. But it’s wasn’t a match Abdulazeez Rofiat (2) was interested in drawing out as she dominated Busayo Olatunji (1)from start to finish in a (11-5), (11-5), (11-6) straight games to win 3-0 and security the wild card spot in the Abass Family Squash Tournament in Maryland USA.
Speaking on the importance of the win, Abdulazeez Rofiat said “I am overwhelmed, this is a very big opportunity for me and the younger girls that play squash. This is an opportunity to grow squash in Nigeria.” She appreciated the hospitality of the IRC and believes she will work on her game in preparation for the USA. “This is an opportunity to work on myself and show my hidden talent” she said.
Busayo Olatunji who is one of three siblings who play squash and the current leader in female ranking according to the Nigeria Squash Federation reacted to the loss with courage, according to her it was not her day “I was not myself, I was trying to come into the game but most of my shots were down and I actually gave up, I was trying to bring myself back but i couldn’t.”
She appealed to the ministry and federation to assist squash players in making it to qualification tournaments so Nigeria squash players can make it to the Olympics come 2028 when squash makes its debut.
The President of the Nigeria Squash Federation, Mr Boye Oyerinde who was gratified on the performance of the players said there is more work to be done “we are discussing at the board level to improve the level of play of squash for female players, we are coming up with the modalities and we are hoping that very soon it will yeild desired results.”
He also spoke on the need for new faces in squash, according to him “we need to go back to the drawing board especially for the ladies, we need to have more training programs for them and to encourage them to play more at a higher level and it starts from the grassroot level.”
“The best way to conquer match pressures is to start early and get used to the game” he said. He also appreciated the media for their role in promoting squash.
The night wasn’t all for the 2 finalists, several others were awarded including the game officials and other players. But another highlight of the night was the sponsored slot given to Jadesola Olatunji (8) to also participate in the Abass Family Squash Tournament in Maryland USA, a gift that left the player speechless.
On the importance of the event and how it was birthed, The Chairman squash section of the Ibadan Recreation Club 1902, Bar. Yomi Oke said “the event was initiated by the African Diaspora Squash Federation and Etal Solar Power, we were hosting being Ibadan Recreation Club squash section in conjuction with Oyo State Squash Association.”
He thanked the sponsors for giving a wild card for the winner of the event which is the first of its kind. “they focused on females because most times it’s about the the male players, this is to encourage more female squash players” he said.
Speaking on the role of Ibadan Recreation Club to squash in Oyo State, Mr Yomi stated that the squash section has always been in support of Oyo State squash. According to him “Ibadan Recreation club is what they’ve been using to train the younger kids that’s doing phenomenal particularly in the young boys category and for the first time Oyo State won a medal at the National Sports Festival in squash in over almost 40 years that shows Ibadan Recreation Club has always been a forefront of supporting and promoting Sports in Oyo State.”
Anabel Enahoro
