Over 100 Young Players Converge for 2026 Squash Premier League in Abuja

Posted : 04 August 2026

More than 100 young squash players from academies across Nigeria have assembled in Abuja for the second edition of the 2026 Squash Premier League, a grassroots championship designed to develop talent and empower youths through sport.

The month-long competition, organised by the Beacon of Positivity Foundation (BOPF), opened at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, with coaching and officiating clinics ahead of matches scheduled to run from Aug. 5 to Aug. 30.

The tournament features competitions in the senior, club members, Under-15, Under-19 and doubles categories, providing participants with regular competition and technical development opportunities.

Founder of the Squash Premier League and BOPF, Coach T. Connor Tuodolo, said the initiative was established to provide children with a positive alternative to life on the streets while equipping them with valuable life skills.

According to him, the championship has witnessed remarkable growth since its inaugural edition, with participation increasing from 26 players to more than 105 this year, reflecting renewed interest in squash across the country.

Tuodolo added that the league combines competition with coaching and officiating clinics to improve athletes' technical knowledge and overall understanding of the game.

He, however, identified inadequate funding as the biggest challenge facing the initiative, noting that it has largely survived through personal commitment, volunteer support and contributions from individuals passionate about youth development.

Former Nigerian international and founder of Dasby's Sports Development Association, Coach Longi Dasbak, described the competition as a significant boost for grassroots squash development.

She urged government and private organisations to invest more in the sport through increased awareness campaigns and the construction of additional squash courts, noting that squash still receives limited attention in Nigeria despite its Olympic status.

Young participants also expressed optimism about the opportunities the championship offers.

Fifteen-year-old Edna Philip said the competition would help her pursue her ambition of becoming one of the world's leading squash players, while last year's runner-up, Nanme Rindaps, said he was determined to go one step further by winning the title.

The organisers expressed confidence that the growing competition would continue to serve as a platform for discovering future champions while promoting discipline, confidence and positive values among Nigerian youths.

The championship is expected to further strengthen grassroots squash development by giving young athletes a competitive platform to showcase their abilities while encouraging greater participation in the sport across Nigeria.

Over 100 Young Players Converge for 2026 Squash Premier League in Abuja

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