Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament Raises Player Quality, Says Former NSF Official

Kunle Adewale

Former President of the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Boye Oyerinde, praised the noticeable rise in playing standards at the fourth edition of the Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament, calling the event a key platform for nurturing talent.

Oyerinde made the comments during the second‑round matches held at the squash courts of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

He noted that both the quality of matches and the development of young players had improved markedly compared to earlier editions.

“The growth is evident for everyone to see. The games are better, the players are getting better, and it shows they are putting in the hard work in training,” Oyerinde said.

“I am particularly impressed with the junior players. Some of them are very young, yet their level of play has improved remarkably from what we saw last year. It is fantastic and encouraging for the future of the sport,” he added.

The former federation president also highlighted the crucial role of corporate sponsorship in sustaining the sport’s development.

“Virtually everything we do in sports depends on sponsorship. It is always commendable when organisations identify with a sport and support its development. Such support encourages participation at all levels and helps create opportunities for players to improve and compete,” he said.

Lead referee Adebowale Oladeji also spoke about the competition, noting a significant increase in both participation and playing standard.

In some quarter‑final qualifying matches, Temiloluwa Adegoke defeated Sheu Muyideen 3‑0, while Samuel Nduka‑Uba beat Abudusman Olanrewaju 3‑0.

According to Oladeji, junior players have emerged as major contenders in senior categories, leading to several surprises during the tournament.

The defending champion in both the U‑19 and Men’s categories qualified for the quarter‑finals after defeating Monday Bright, and Samson Asade progressed to the next round by beating Daniel Elisa.