Players Talk Tough Ahead of Squash Tourney in Lagos

Posted : 04 June 2025

Key players from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun on Wednesday said they are battle-ready for the 4th Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament, scheduled to take place from June 9 to 14 in Lagos.

The prospective participants are optimistic that the competition will feature high-octane matches, as players are in high spirits.

Yusuf Quadri, a rising 16-year-old squash player, said the sports festival gave him a strong mental edge to beat any opponent in the men’s category.

“The festival helped me sharpen my game; I’ve kept the same energy in training and made minor tactical adjustments.

This tournament is about confirming my position — not just as a Lagos player, but as an emerging national champion,” Quadri said.

Similarly, Olufunmilayo Gabriel, who won silver in the women’s category at the NSF, and Busayo Olatunji, who clinched gold by defeating rival Rofiat Abdulazeez, are also set for the challenge.

Gabriel said the mental intensity of back-to-back competitions would give her the necessary push for the upcoming tournament.

“NSF was about team strength; this is about individual resilience, and I’ve been preparing my mind as much as my footwork.

Every match will be tough because the margin for error is slim,” Gabriel said.

Jadesola Olatunji, who won bronze at the NSF, said her focus has shifted to improving her technical sharpness.

“The sports festival helped me identify areas for improvement. My front-court play and shot variety are better now.

I will approach the tournament with confidence and a sense of unfinished business,” she said.

Adding depth to the women’s field is Mostura Durosinlorun, one of Kwara’s fast-rising players.

Durosinlorun believes that her recent match experience will be a key asset in the tournament.

“I’ve played some of the top girls recently, so I know what to expect. I’m going into every match with purpose — no intimidation,” she said.

Rofiat Abdulazeez, first runner-up at the 2024 edition of the Prime Atlantic Tournament and gold medalist at the recent NSF, said she is determined to go one better this year.

“I’ve been replaying that NSF final in my head, and I’m determined to use this platform to replicate what I did at the Gateway Games,” Abdulazeez said.

Players Talk Tough Ahead of Squash Tourney in Lagos

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