22nd March, 2011
Lagos State Squash team outshined other 15 states to win the recently concluded Senator David Mark U-20 National Open Championship held at the National Stadium, Abuja Park B Squash Courts.
In the final watched by the Senate President, David Mark and other dignitaries, Adewale Amoo of Lagos State humbled Idowu Garba of Delta State 3-1 in the male category, while his teammate, Oladuni Okikiola defeated Yemisi Olatunji of Ondo State 3-2 in the female category.
Secretary of Lagos State Squash Association, Bimbo Kuti, commended the performance of the Lagos team. She said the victory was a clear indication that squash is a popular sport in Lagos. She  urged corporate bodies and sports philanthropists to identify with the sport in the state.
“If there is regular squash competitions for our players, I believe they can do better and compete with other foreign players in international competitions. I am happy that we went to Abuja and proved ourselves,†she said.
Commenting on the tourney, President of Nigeria Squash Rackets Federation, Olufemi Ajagbe, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the competition. He commended the sponsor, Senator Mark for his contribution to the development of squash in Nigeria.
“I am delighted that the competition was successfully organised. We saw young players who displayed their skills. We also saw young players who are hungry for success. My advice for the Nigeria Sports Commission, NSC, is to give attention to squash and other sports so that Nigeria will be ranked among top squash playing nations in the future,†he said.
—Sunday Akintoye
