.....An iDEASCOPE MEDIA

28 Mar 2017

Brief History of SQUASH in Nigeria & N.S.F.



Nigeria Squash Rackets Federation was established in 1974, though the game was played in the early 50’s in Nigeria, it is on record that the first standard squash court was erected on the grounds of Kings College Lagos in 1956. Interestingly, squash has since moved from largely recreational sport in Nigeria and indeed the world over to a highly competitive sport. In the last 2 decades in particular, squash has become a truly international sport having been admitted into the Commonwealth Games, all the World Regional Games and hopefully in the Olympic Games.
Today, Nigeria boasts of over 300 squash courts spread Federation, many of them now fitted with glass back walls. Surprisingly, the National Stadium Squash Complex, Lagos built in 1973 at the instance of the then Head of State, Major-General Yakubu Gowon (rtd).
As part of the International Body’s policy, the Federation like others from inception had had its board constituted in the running of its day-to-day activities.

International Affiliation
After successfully running the Federation at the National and State levels, the National Sports Commission in the early 80s felt it was pertinent for the Federation to get international recognition.
There and then, it got affiliated to the World Squash Federation WSF -a year after. Up till date, the affiliations to these two international bodies remains.

N.S.F
Nigeria Squash Federation is the umbrella organising body of the game of squash in Nigeria NSF major role is to develop, promote and regulate the game of
squash in all forms in Nigeria.
The NSF organises a number of activities competitions, coaching clinics, participation in international competitions etc
The NSF works with partners public and private to actualise its mission
The game of squash is one of the most popular sports in the country played by two categories of people, i.e those who play it competitively and those who play it for its recreational and health benefits.

During this period under review, the then president of the Federation, Engr. Onwukaike Nwambam single handedly got the late President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Alh. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to approve a championship named after his late elder brother

Even though the game is not played at the Olympics, we recognized the fact that it is a game played at the Commonwealth and the All Africa Games (though Nigeria is yet to be represented at the Commonwealth Games).

PREAMBLE
The game of squash is one of the most popular sports in the country played by two categories of people, i.e those who play it competitively and those who play it for its recreational and health benefits. The game which gained recognition years back has witnessed some development in the last 4 to 5 years with the help of some individuals, clubs etc gave their all to sponsor pros from the country to other countries to play competitions with their fellow squash pros so as to boost and improve on their game and also help posterity.





Tribute to Late Arc. Sam Galadima former Nigerian Squash Federation president.


Some pioneers in Nigerian squash champions like Okanlawon Martin, Ben Solomon, Tarry Tikili, Taiwo Owoyemi, Regina Obi, Moses Olubo, Wasiu Sanni, Kunle Adebiyi,  just to mention a few.

We also have individuals,companies & clubs funding the development of the game. People like FRA William, George Etomi, Isueli, Fola Alade, Capt Awobokun , Capt Shina Akinfenwa,  Taye Ige,  Arc Funmi Bankole; Cargolux, PSPAN- professional Squash players association of Nigeria(president: Seun Peters) ,Ex Nigeria Squash pros, ibadan recreational club, Lagos country club, Unilag Staff Club, Apapa Club, Owerri Sport club, NAIJA squash Media etc over the years till date made it possible for over 40 Nigerian players gain recognition,  play international squash & promoting their talents.
Some of the beneficiaries :

1) Yemisi Olatunji coming to the UK for squash tournament.
2) National Squash Congress in April
3) Three Nigerian Squash players; Wale Amao, Tunde Ajagbe, Moses Durosinmi currently in USA playing competitions.
4) OAU squash club




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