By Abiodun Ajose, Lagos
President of the Squash Federation of Nigeria, Mr Boye Oyerinde have said the successes recorded by the Squash Federation since he became the President in 2017 is a result of collective efforts of the members of the board.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sunrisetimes.com.ng, Oyerinde enumerated his board accomplishments to include designing a comprehensive database for players, coaches and referees as there was no database to capture these set of people.
He also disclosed the Federation has made connection with the African Squash racket federation body again so as to facilitate the rankings of players and also to enhance adequate training for all the personnel that is needed for the sport.
The former tournament director, Lagos State Squash Association said the discovery and development of players has been on front burner of his administration citing the likes of Kehinde Samuel who is the national number 3 ranked player who won a squash championship in Kenya in 2024.
Oyerinde also mentioned the national number 1 ranked player Onaopemipo Adegoke who won the challenger Tour Six tournament ; which is a $6000 dollars and a PSA ( Professional Squash Association) ranked tournament in the US ,first time by a Nigerian.
He disclosed that the male and female teams won gold at the Squash Federation of Africa, Senior Championship.
According to him Nigeria also participated in the men’s world team championship in Hong kong in 2024 where the team did well.
“Also, last year 2024 , Nigeria referee Salome Iyeli, officiated at British junior Open in England which is the first time a referee from Nigeria will be officiating at global event”, he said.
He also continued by mentioning that all the domestic tournaments took center stage across the country through our 2024 and tournaments are slated for the current year.
Talking about the developmental strides and successes recorded ,the president talked about the federation been able to touch the grassroots as it was able to attract prospective junior squash players who are showing a positive signs to represent the country at major tournaments across the Globe, in different junior categories such as the under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 age grades.
Oyerinde also mentioned the developmental training for Squash Coaches and referees as part of the NSF board achievements since 2917.
The President mentioned some of the challenges the federation is still battling with majorly among them funding and lack the needed support from the National Sports Commission NSC for an efficient running of the affairs of the federation.
He concluded by promising the federation is committed to building on the successes it had achieved so far.
