Sampson Alabi and Chioma Aniekwe emerged as winners in the men’s and women’s categories during squash League in Minna.
From Our Correspondent
Samson Alabi and Chioma Aniekwe won in the men’s and women’s categories of the Squash League in Minna, held at the Minna Sports Club over the weekend, during the monthly Niger State Squash League.
Sampson Alabi defeated former champion Gideon Bala Ibrahim 3-1; Isaac Afokhai beat Friday Shedrack 3-2 in the intermediate category; and Emmanuel John maintained his lead in the junior men’s category by defeating Chimobi Emmanuel 3-1.
In the women’s category, Chioma Aniekwe overcame Bimbo Olowu 3-1 after a tough match during the league, which featured 36 men and 6 women from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the state.
Addressing the players before presenting cash prizes to the winners, the Chairperson of the Niger State Squash Association (NSSA), Mrs. Taiwo Akinkoye, encouraged those who did not succeed in this three-day event not to be discouraged. She urged them to dedicate more time, effort, and learn new skills to improve their chances of winning future competitions.
Akinkoye also warned participants, especially those who did not win, against holding grudges or acting hostile toward winners or each other because of the results. Instead, she emphasized accepting defeat graciously and preparing better for future challenges in upcoming editions.
She advised all 42 registered players, after the league at Minna Sports Club on David Mark Road, to acquire new skills and strategies. Without doing so, it will be difficult for them to compete effectively and win medals at national and international events.
The 10th edition of the Squash League, sponsored by the Abuja-based Elijah Group of Companies, aims to create a platform for youth interested in pursuing Squash as a career.
