The maiden edition of the Eko Club National Under-16 and Under-19 Squash Tournament has served-off in Lagos, with over 100 young athletes from 10 states and three clubs in a spirited showcase of squash talent and a tribute to a departed visionary, Adejuwon Adenuga.

The event, which began on Wednesday at the club’s premises in Surulere, was organised in memory of the late Adenuga, former chairman of Eko Club’s sports section, who passed away on June 5, 2024.

Mr Olugbenga Feyisetan, Chairman of the squash section of the club, said that the tournament was a way of fulfilling Adenuga’s unrealised dream of using Eko Club as a platform to advance youth sports development in Nigeria.

“Mr Adenuga always dreamt of making Eko Club a strong contributor to youth development through sports, especially squash.

“Although he is no longer with us, we are committed to ensuring his dream lives on through this annual tournament,” he said.

He said Nigeria’s absence in the top 100 global squash rankings was worrisome, attributing it to the lack of structured youth development programmes and limited exposure to competitive play at an early age.

“We noticed that in international squash circuits, Nigerians are nowhere in the first 100.

“This limits our youth to academics alone. Many could have taken professional squash as a career if they started early. That’s why this tournament matters,” he explained.

With plans to make the event a yearly fixture every June, Feyisetan praised the support received from the club’s leadership, private sponsors, and the Adenuga family, especially Mrs Solape Adenuga, who played a key role in making the debut edition a reality.

“We are accommodating and feeding all the participants, and everyone will go home with prizes. We also thank the families who trusted us to host their children from as far as Bayelsa, Abia, and Abuja,” he added.

The opening day delivered thrilling matches as young players battled fiercely for a place in the next round of the Under-19 boys and girls categories.

In the boys’ division, Usman Baruwa defeated Eferebo Ezekiel 2-0 (13/11, 11/5), while Godspower Ejiro overcame Orezimena Iyelih-Omoefe 2-0 (11/2, 11/8).

Similarly Yusuf Durosinlorun, Technical Director Nigeria Squash Federation described the level of play as impressive.

“The turnout is good, but what’s more impressive for me is the skills these players have displayed.

“At this junction I believe in the near future our players will dominate PSA rankings,” he said.

David Awe rallied from a set down to beat Joseph Destiny 2-1 (6/11, 12/10, 11/9), and Morinola Abdul-Malik edged Favour Udo in another comeback, 2-1 (5/11, 11/8, 11/9).

Daniel Enaifoghe held his nerve to dispatch Stephen Saviour 2-1 (11/5, 10/12, 11/4), as Daniel Agbaje defeated Moses Cyrus 2-0 (11/5, 11/4). Rindaps Nanme advanced by walkover after Mayowa Joseph withdrew.

Ebotha Emmanuel was clinical in his straight-set win over Akomolafe Azeem (11/1, 11/6), while Babalola Yussuf edged Richard Ejiro 2-1 (11/8, 8/11, 11/8). Miracle Ekpo defeated Abdulrasheed 2-0 (11/6, 11/3), and Ola Kennedy secured a 2-0 (11/4, 11/5) win over James Awotundun.

In the Under-19 girls’ category, Mostura Durosilorun dominated Esther Wariebiowei 2-0 (11/1, 11/3), while Emmanuella Fashola advanced by walkover. Busayo Falana overpowered Queen Akintola 2-0 (11/4, 11/1), and Uwem Mbong overcame Zainab Abdulkareem 2-0 (11/9, 11/5).

The tournament continues on Thursday with more fixtures leading up to the finals scheduled for Saturday.