Top 8 Female Tournament

By JOE APU

In less than 24 hours the Squash Section of the Ibadan Recreation Club 1902 will be a beehive of activities as the first edition of the Nigeria Top 8 Female Invitational Squash Tournament gets under way at the prestigious Ibadan Recreation Club 1902.
The tournament which is sponsored by Solar Power Etal and the African Diaspora Squash Association is bringing together the best top eight female players in the country to battle for a wildcard to this year’s Abbas Family Squash Tournament in Maryland, USA.
According to the CEO of Solar Power Etal, Akinlolu Ajayi-Obe, the tournament is designed to give the girl child a sense of belonging and an opportunity to showcase their talents by encouraging them through the game of squash.
Speaking on the driving force behind the tournament, the avid squash lover stated that giving back to encourage the younger generation remains key to his company’s policy.
“Solar Power Etal has a long history of supporting sports development, particularly squash and basketball. This tournament is part of a bigger picture. We’re partnering with the African Diaspora Squash Association (ADSA), a US-based organization dedicated to promoting squash within the African diaspora.
“This specific tournament coincides with ADSA’s annual event at the Columbia Squash and Athletic Club. We wanted to extend an opportunity by sponsoring a “wild card” entry for a talented Nigerian female player at the PSA tournament happening alongside ADSA’s event. The Solar Power Etal Invitational is another way to further empower female squash players.”
On the choice of only girls in tournament, Ajayi-Obe explained that it part of filling a void that have seen girls getting less focus. “This focus aligns with ADSA’s vision. Unfortunately, there’s often a lack of resources and encouragement for female squash players. At the last ADSA tournament, there were several former Nigerian professional squash players present, all men. This tournament aims to address this disparity and provide a platform for talented female athletes.”
On the issue of prize money aside the wildcard ticket, Ajayi-Obe insists that the focus is on creating exposure. “The focus of this inaugural tournament is on creating exposure for these players. While there’s no traditional prize money, Solar Power Etal will cover travel, accommodation, meals, and provide an appearance fee of N100,000.00 to each participant. Additionally, ADSA is offering an all-expenses-paid trip to a prestigious squash tournament, the ABBAS Family PSA. This exposure can be a game-changer, attracting sponsorships and future opportunities for these athletes.”
Though, he admits this is the first year for the Solar Power Etal Invitational, he says he is open to ensuring it continues. “Whether it becomes annual hinges on ADSA’s continued sponsorship for the international travel component of the prize. Our commitment to supporting sports development remains strong, regardless of the tournament’s future format,” he noted while pointing out that Ibadan is the current home for this tournament. “This decision might be revisited during planning for next year’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. We’re open to exploring other locations in the future.”
On the state of squash in the country, he noted that: “While the Nigerian National Squash Association and dedicated individuals are doing commendable work, there’s still significant room for growth. Financial limitations and lack of facilities are major challenges. The cost of equipment and training is often prohibitive for aspiring players. This tournament, along with continued support for squash development programs, is a step toward addressing these hurdles. By providing exposure, financial support, and a platform for competition, Solar Power Etal, in partnership with ADSA, hopes to empower female squash players and contribute to the overall growth of the sport in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile Technical Director of the Oyo State Squash Association, Niyi Oyewumi in reaction to the forthcoming tournament stated that the top 8 female invitational is a welcome development that will energise female players to be at their best in the game given the exposure the winner stands to gain by participating in an international tournament outside the shores of the country.
“I’m super excited about this tournament because it opens a new vista for squash in the country and particularly for female players who have an opportunity to exhibit their skills.
“This is another avenue for the Nigeria Squash Federation to see the top ranked eight players in action and assess their fitness and readiness for other engagements. This is calling on other well meaning Nigerians to join in building the game of squash to a higher level thereby creating more tournaments that will keep players engaged all year round,” Oyewumi who also sponsor of the annual JGM National U19 and U16 squash tournament stated.
Oyewumi, a former National U16 and U19 champion in his playing days called on the Oyo State government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to come to the rescue of squash in the state by completing the four squash courts at the Adamasingba Stadium complex noting that it would go a long way in hosting more tournaments and create avenue for players to train effectively as they often inconvenience members of the Ibadan Recreation Club who give up their playing for them