Daniel Nzei from Akwa Ibom State and Mistura Durosinlorun of Kwara State at the weekend defeated their challengers to win the boys and girls’ U-16 categories of the Third Ex-Pros Diaspora U-13, 16 and over 45 Squash Championship held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Nzei defeated Joseph Eniafoghe 3-2 in a highly competitive final to win the boys’ event, while Durosinlorun beat Favour Utupke to win the girls’ category.
The championship, which is organised to discover more talents in squash at their formative stage, also threw up champions in other events.
In the U-10 girls’ event, Aishat Abdulraheem from Kwara State won the gold, while the silver went to Khadijat Durosinlorun, just as Daniel Afolayan also from Kwara State won gold in the U-10 Boys, the silver went to David Opiye (Abia State), while the bronze was awarded to Solomon Sylvester also of Abia State.
Mistura Durosinlorun won gold again in the U-13 girls level, the silver went to Jennifer Maduka-Uzor of Abia State, while the bronze was awarded to Bidemi Olatunji (Lagos State).
The U-13 boys’ gold medal went to Dominion Utupke from Lagos State, who beat Daniel Nzei of Akwa Ibom to the silver and Ebuka Nnanna of Bayelsa State took the bronze.
Speaking after the championship, president of Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora, Femi Shittu said this year’s event had more children showcasing their skills than in previous editions, adding, “I am happy on the performance of the kids from different parts of the country.
“By next year, the Ex-Pros Diaspora will introduce coaching clinics to also update and train Nigerian coaches on the latest techniques of the game.
“Grooming the children have to go together with enhancing the coaches and officials for better performance,” he said.
Also speaking at the end of the event, Nigeria Squash Federation President, Boye Oyerinde commended the Ex-Pros Diaspora for giving back to the society after retiring from the sport and urged the association to continue helping the development of squash in Nigeria.
A member of the Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora, Daniel Enaholo, who presented special gifts to 10 outstanding players at the event, declared that his foundation would keep grooming talents in Nigeria.
