Founder of the Squash Premier League and the Beacon of Positivity Foundation (BOPF), Connor Tuodolo, has said the initiative was established to use squash as a vehicle for youth empowerment by taking children off the streets and giving them opportunities to build meaningful futures through sports.
Key Highlights
- The 2026 Squash Premier League has commenced at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
- Founder Connor Tuodolo said the league was created to empower youths through squash and keep children off the streets.
- More than 105 young athletes from squash academies across Nigeria are participating, up from 26 in the inaugural edition.
- The tournament will run from August 5 to 30, featuring senior, club, Under-15, Under-19 and doubles categories.
- A coaching and officiating clinic was held to improve players’ technical knowledge and understanding of the game.
Tuodolo stated this on Monday, at the opening of the second edition of the 2026 Squash Premier League at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where more than 100 young athletes from squash academies across Nigeria gathered for a coaching and officiating clinic ahead of the championship.
The tournament, organised by BOPF, will feature competitions in the senior, club members, Under-15, Under-19 and doubles categories, with matches scheduled to run from August 5 to 30.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Tuodolo said the league was created not only to develop elite squash players, but also to provide young Nigerians with a positive alternative to crime, idleness and other social challenges.
“We want organisations that believe in youth development to join us in taking children off the streets, empowering them through sports and creating opportunities for them to become productive citizens,” he said.
He explained that the idea was inspired by his experience as a squash player and his belief that Nigeria needs a consistent grassroots platform where young talents could compete regularly, improve their skills and develop confidence.
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According to him, the greatest reward has been watching children discover their potential through sport. “What keeps us going is seeing these children smile and discover their potential,” he said.
Tuodolo said the competition has grown significantly since its inaugural edition, with participation increasing from just 26 athletes to more than 105 this year.
“When we started, we had just 26 athletes. The numbers increased to 45, then 50, then 69, and today we have over 105 participants. That shows there is hope for squash in Nigeria,” he added.
He noted that beyond competition, the league includes coaching and officiating clinics aimed at improving players’ understanding of the rules and technical aspects of squash, stressing that knowledge is as important as talent in developing future champions.
Despite the league’s steady growth, Tuodolo identified inadequate funding as its biggest challenge, saying the initiative has largely survived through personal sacrifice, volunteer efforts and the support of a handful of individuals who share the vision of youth development through sport.
He appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists and other stakeholders to partner with the organisers in expanding the programme’s impact.
For many of the participants, the championship is more than a competition—it is an opportunity to pursue lifelong dreams.
Fifteen-year-old Edna Philip, who travelled from Plateau State, said participating in the tournament brings her closer to her ambition of becoming one of the world’s best squash players.
“I have been playing squash for three years and I hope to become one of the best squash players in the world,” she said, thanking her parents and coach for supporting her journey.
Former Nigerian squash international and Founder of Dasby’s Sports Development Association, Longi Dasbak, described the league as a significant boost for grassroots squash development.
She said the increasing number of children participating in the competition reflects growing awareness of the sport and renewed interest among young people.
Dasbak, who mentors more than 35 boys and girls in Plateau State, called for increased investment by both government and the private sector to sustain the momentum.
She lamented that despite squash making its Olympic debut globally, the sport still receives inadequate attention in Nigeria.
“If we truly want the game to grow, the government must create more awareness, build additional squash courts and invest in the sport,” she appealed.
Sixteen-year-old Nanme Rindaps, runner-up in the previous edition, said he returned to Abuja determined to improve his performance and challenge for the title.
“I came here to learn new techniques, improve my game and compete for victory,” he said.
Another participant, Praise Chukwuemeka, thanked her parents for supporting her sporting ambitions and said competing against stronger opponents would help her become a better player.
As the 2026 Squash Premier League gets underway, organisers say the competition has evolved into more than a sporting event.
Beyond producing future champions, they believe it is providing young Nigerians with discipline, confidence and a pathway to a better future through sport.
