BY: NASIRU MOHAMMED WAZIRI, KANO
The Kano State Coalition of Squash Clubs has successfully concluded its 2025 inter-club squash tournament, bringing together players from across the state in a vibrant display of athletic skill, sportsmanship, and renewed commitment to revitalizing the sport among Nigerian youth.
The competition, which featured three categories — elderly, mid-age, and youth — was hosted collaboratively by three major squash institutions in the state: Ado Bayero Squash Club, BUK Squash Club, and Kano Club.
The tournament, held over several days and officially concluded on November 16, was organized under the leadership of Dr. Yusuf Umar, the Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Nigerian Squash Federation (NSF).
His presence underscored the federation’s growing involvement in promoting squash at the grassroots level across Northern Nigeria.
Organizer Calls for Greater Youth Participation
In his opening remarks, the tournament’s chief organizer and auditor of BUK Squash Club, Alhaji Abdulhameed Yahaya, expressed deep gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful conduct of the event. He also lamented the declining awareness and participation of young Nigerians in squash, stressing the need for renewed investment in grassroots development.
> “Squash is a game of discipline, agility, and mental alertness. Yet, awareness among our youth remains low,” he noted.
“We must work together clubs, parents, and government — to revive interest and ensure the next generation takes this sport to higher levels.”
Alhaji Abdulhameed, a long-time sponsor and enthusiast of the sport, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting squash programs across Kano and beyond.
Winners Emerge Across Three Categories
The 2025 Kano Squash Coalition Tournament produced standout performances across the three competing divisions:
Elders Category: A retired Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) representing Kano Club emerged as champion, showcasing exceptional technique and experience.
Mid-Age Category: Auwal Mohammed of Kano Club secured first place, reflecting the club’s strong standing in the state’s squash community.
Younger Category: Yusuf Muhammad from Ado Bayero Squash Club clinched the youth title following a series of decisive victories.
The results highlighted the competitive balance among Kano’s squash clubs, each demonstrating depth and rising talent across the different age brackets.
Squash: A Global Sport with Deep Historical Roots
Squash is widely recognized as one of the world’s fastest indoor racquet sports, originating in the early 19th century at Harrow School, a prestigious institution in London. The sport emerged as an offshoot of earlier racquet games such as real tennis and fives. Its name derives from the distinctive “squash” sound produced by the soft rubber ball used in play.
By the 1850s, squash had spread throughout British schools and private clubs, and by the 1870s, dedicated courts began to appear — notably at the Queen’s Club in London. The first formal rules were established in 1893 by the Royal Echo Club, providing structure for competitive play.
Through the early 20th century, squash expanded globally to countries such as Egypt, India, Australia, Pakistan, and the United States, each contributing to its evolving style and competitive standards. The establishment of the World Squash Federation (WSF) in 1967 further strengthened international regulation and collaboration.
The sport’s global prestige rose significantly from the 1980s through the 2000s, fueled by dominant eras from Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan, England’s top competitive circuits, and a modern wave of Egyptian champions such as Amr Shabana, Mohamed ElShorbagy, and Ramy Ashour. Today, Egypt remains a powerhouse, producing many of the world’s leading players.
The Growth of Squash in Nigeria
Squash entered Nigeria during the colonial era, taking root in military and expatriate recreational clubs before gradually expanding into universities and state sports facilities. Over the decades, Nigerian players and administrators have worked to develop local talent and improve infrastructure, though challenges in funding, awareness, and youth engagement persist.
Northern Nigeria — particularly Kano — has maintained an active squash culture through club systems such as Ado Bayero Squash Club, BUK Squash Club, and Kano Club. These institutions have been instrumental in:
Training young and aspiring players
Organizing inter-club competitions
Creating social and recreational communities around the sport
Supporting the Nigerian Squash Federation’s broader mission
Leaders like Dr. Yusuf Umar, NSF Northwest Chairman, continue to champion efforts to integrate squash into school sports programs and expand competitive opportunities for young athletes.
With the successful completion of the 2025 Kano Squash Coalition Tournament, organizers, players, and supporters expressed optimism that such events will help reignite enthusiasm for squash across the state. There is growing consensus that more tournaments, improved facilities, and consistent grassroots campaigns will be critical to elevating Nigeria’s presence in the sport internationally.
As Alhaji Abdulhameed emphasized, fostering youth participation remains the cornerstone of that vision — one that hopes to see Nigerian players eventually compete on the world stage alongside modern squash giants.