Players talk tough ahead of squash tourney

Some key players from the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun on Wednesday, said they are battle-ready to compete at the 4th Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament scheduled for June 9 to 14 in Lagos.

They told newsmen in separate interviews that the competition would witness high-octane matches as players are in high spirits.

Yusuf Quadri, a rising 16-year-old squash player, said that the sports festival gave him a strong mental edge to beat any of his opponent in the Men’s category.

“The festival helped me to sharpen my game; I’ve kept the same energy in training and made minor tactical adjustments.

“This tournament is about confirming my position, not just as a Lagos player, but as an emerging national champion,”Quadri said.

In the same vein, Olufunmilayo Gabriel won silver in the women’s category at the NSF, while Busayo Olatunji won gold, beating rival Rofiat Abuduazeez.

Gabriel said that the mental intensity of back-to-back competitions would give her the necessary push ahead of the coming tournament.

“NSF was about team strength; this is about individual resilience and I’ve been preparing my mind as much as my footwork.

“Every match will be tough here because the margin for error is slim,” Gabriel said.

Jadesola Olatunji, who won bronze at the NSF, said her focus has shifted to technical sharpness.

“The sports festival helped me to identify areas for improvement. My front-court play and shot variety are better now.

“I will approach the tournament with confidence and a sense of unfinished business,” he said.

Supreme news reports that adding depth to the women’s field is Mostura Durosinlorun, one of Kwara’s fast-rising players.

Durosinlorun believes that recent match experience will be a key asset for her performance at the tournament.

“I’ve played some of the top girls recently, so I know what to expect. I’m going into every match with a purpose, no intimidation,” she said.

Abdulazeez, first runner-up at the 2024 edition of the Prime Atlantic Tournament and a gold medalist at the just-concluded NSF, said she was ready to go a step better this year.

“I’ve been replaying that NSF final in my head and “I’m determined to use this platform to replicate what I did at the Gateway Games.”Abdukazeesz said.