Abuja: T’Connor Tuodolo, Founder of the Squash Premier League (SPL), has announced that the league has experienced substantial growth since its establishment in 2025, with participation numbers rising significantly from 26 athletes in its first edition to 111 athletes in the recently concluded second edition.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tuodolo made this announcement while addressing journalists at the conclusion of the second edition of the SPL held at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. He emphasized the need for increased sponsorship to sustain the league and enhance grassroots squash development across Nigeria. The week-long tournament, which ran from August 3 to August 11, attracted young athletes from various squash academies nationwide.
The competition, themed ‘Breeding the Next Generation of Champions’, featured categories for Under-15, Under-19, seniors, club members, and doubles. In addition to the matches, the event included a coaching and officiating clinic aimed
at enhancing the skills of coaches, referees, and young athletes.
Highlighting the league’s growth trajectory, Tuodolo explained that after starting with just 26 athletes, the SPL has seen steady increases in participation, culminating in 111 participants for the most recent competition. He stated that the league was created to bridge gaps in grassroots squash by offering young players consistent competition and structured training opportunities. Initially, the league operated across five age grades, but some categories were merged due to low participation. However, with growing interest, plans are underway to restore these categories.
Tuodolo also mentioned that hosting the competition thrice yearly would help nurture more young players. He provided an example of the league’s impact, citing Blessing Bassey’s victory over top-seeded player Nanme Rindaps as a testament to the benefits of regular competition for young athletes.
The SPL has also seen increased participation from athletes and academies in vari
ous states, including Niger, Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo. The league collaborates directly with academies to promote talent identification and development, and plans are in place to offer incentives for coaches.
Additionally, the SPL has introduced online coaching, officiating, and players’ certificate courses to enhance participants’ understanding of squash rules and technical standards. However, challenges such as inadequate funding and issues with the league’s digital platform remain obstacles. To address these, the organizers are introducing a digital officiating platform, the first of its kind in Africa, and are appealing for support from philanthropists, sports enthusiasts, and corporate entities.
The league’s official sponsors include GerritFleuren Foundation Ventures Ltd., Blue Iris Clinic, DSFP Africa, and Kambai Bawa Foundation. During the tournament, Daniel Agbaje, Kevina Amako, Blessing Bassey, and Ares Andong were crowned champions in various categories.
Coach Bernard Mkpe of Beromich Squash Spor
ts Academy noted improvements in the second edition compared to the previous one and called for more media coverage and sponsorship. He praised the Nigeria Squash Federation for its coaching and officiating programs, highlighting the presence of four certified World Squash Federation coaches in Nigeria.
Longdi Dasbak, founder of Dasby Squash Academy and a former Nigerian international squash player, observed noticeable enhancements in the quality and number of players. She appealed for more sponsorship, competitions, equipment, and squash courts to improve access to the sport.
Edna Fube, a silver medalist in the Girls’ Under-15 category, encouraged fellow players to maintain rigorous training regimens for success, expressing her determination to improve her performance in future events.