The Squash Premier League (SPL) has recorded a substantial increase in participation since its establishment in 2025, with the number of athletes rising to 111 in its second edition.
Founder of the league, T’Connor Tuodolo, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the week-long tournament held at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Tuodolo said the league began with only 26 athletes but had steadily expanded through subsequent editions, reaching 111 participants at the latest competition.
He attributed the growth to increased interest among squash academies and young players, while calling for greater sponsorship to ensure the sustainability of the league and expand grassroots development of the sport.
The second edition, which ran from Aug. 3 to Aug. 11, brought together young squash players from academies across Nigeria.
Held under the theme, “Breeding the Next Generation of Champions,” the competition featured Under-15, Under-19, senior, club members and doubles categories.
Tuodolo explained that the league was created to address gaps in grassroots squash development by providing players with regular competitive opportunities and structured training.
He noted that the competition had initially featured several age grades, including Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19, but some categories were combined because of limited participation.
With participation now increasing, he said organisers were working towards restoring the different age categories.
Tuodolo also advocated holding the league three times annually, saying more frequent competitions would provide young players with greater opportunities to gain experience and improve their abilities.
He cited the performance of Blessing Bassey against top-seeded player Nanme Rindaps as an example of how regular competition could help emerging athletes develop.
According to him, participation has expanded beyond a few locations, with athletes and academies from Niger, Bauchi, Plateau, Edo and other states joining the competition.
He said the SPL was also collaborating directly with academies on talent identification and development, while plans were underway to introduce incentives for coaches.
To strengthen technical knowledge, the league has introduced online courses covering coaching, officiating and player certification.
However, Tuodolo identified inadequate funding and difficulties with the league’s digital platform as challenges affecting the initiative.
He disclosed that organisers were developing a digital officiating platform, which he described as the first of its kind in Africa, and appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists and sports enthusiasts to support the programme.
He listed GerritFleuren Foundation Ventures Ltd., Blue Iris Clinic, DSFP Africa and Kambai Bawa Foundation among the official sponsors of the second edition.
In the various competitions, Daniel Agbaje, Kevina Amako, Blessing Bassey and Ares Andong emerged winners in their respective categories.
Agbaje secured the Men’s Singles knockout title following Rindaps’ withdrawal by walkover and also won the Boys’ Under-19 event.
Amako claimed both the Girls’ Under-19 and Women’s Singles titles, while Bassey won the Girls’ Under-15 Singles category. Andong emerged champion in the Boys’ Under-15 Singles event. Team Bravo won the Men’s Doubles final.
Coach Bernard Mkpe of Beromich Squash Sports Academy described the second edition as an improvement on the previous tournament and appealed for stronger media coverage and sponsorship.
He also commended the Nigeria Squash Federation for its coaching and officiating programmes, noting that Nigeria currently has four coaches certified by the World Squash Federation.
Longdi Dasbak, founder of Dasby Squash Academy and a former Nigerian international squash player, similarly observed improvements in both the number and quality of participants.
She called for increased investment in squash competitions, equipment and courts to make the sport more accessible to young Nigerians.
Meanwhile, squash player Edna Fube, who won silver in the Girls’ Under-15 category and reached the Under-19 quarter-finals, encouraged fellow athletes to remain committed to training.
She said sustained practice, determination and endurance were essential for players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport.
