By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Chairperson Niger State Squash Association (NSSA), Mrs. Taiwo Akinkoye has expressed worry over the continued decline in the number of girls participation in the monthly Squash league.
Taiwo, a one time number One seed player for Niger state made the observation in an interview shortly after presentation of cash prizes to winners in the 9th edition of the Squash league which took place on Saturday at the Minna Sports Club, Squash section.
During her days, Akinkoye who said she started playing Squash in the eighties, before she joined Niger state from Ondo state, after participating in the 1984 Donier Open championship recalled how she and her peers worked hard until she emerged Nigeria's number One, playing for Niger state.
The Squash veteran who is calling on parents/guardians to take advantage of her presence as the Chairperson of Squash in Niger state and release their daughters to train and compete with their counterparts across Nigeria, said she is worried about the lack of interest attitude towards Squash by present day girls when compared to their own time.
Squash is good, apart fromkerping the childrenaway from idleness and crime, the skills acquired can keep them taking care of themselves and their families for life, she pointed out.
"In our days we worked very hard to get to the top of our games, unlike what you see today. Many of these girls are not ready to work hard to train in order to become champions".
Meanwhile, new winners emerged in the senior (boys) and female categories, during the March, 2027 edition of the league.
Aliyu Ibrahim defeated the long time champion for the senior boys, Gideon Bala Ibrahim, while Destiny Tomizayi succeeded in pushing Chioma Aniekwe to the second position to emerge winner.
Isaac Afokhai still retains his position as winner in the intermediate category after defeating Goodluck Jerry during the monthly league sponsored by, Mr. Seye Akinkoye, an abroad based one time member of the Niger State Squash family. NNL.
