Abdulraheem claims double titles, as Omotayo, Shehu shine at 4th JGM Squash Championship in Abeokuta

The 4th JGM Squash U-16 and U-19 Boys and Girls Championship in Abeokuta came to an end on Saturday and delivered thrilling finals as emerging talents showcased their dominance across categories.

In the U-16 girls’ final, Ahisat Abdulraheem of Kwara State edged out compatriot Loveth Balogun in a gripping five-set encounter, winning 3-2 (5-11, 11-6, 11-4, 6-11, 11-9) to claim the title.

The U-16 boys’ category saw a commanding performance from Ogun State’s Ayomide Omotayo, who defeated Peter Adeleke in straight sets, 3-0 (11-2, 11-3, 11-8), underlining his superiority throughout the match.

Abdulraheem returned to court in the U-19 girls’ final to complete a remarkable double, once again overcoming Loveth Balogun in another closely contested five-set match. She triumphed 3-2 (11-7, 10-12, 11-2, 9-11, 11-9) to secure her second title of the tournament.

In the U-19 boys’ final, Kwara’s Muhibudeen Shehu delivered a composed performance to defeat Ogun’s Omotayo Ayomide 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-7), sealing the championship with a straight-sets victory.

The finals capped an exciting four days of the competition, with standout performances highlighting the depth of young squash talent on display.

Sponsor of the JGM Squash Championship, Emmanuel Oyewumi stated that he is encourage to do more for the growth of the sport given the talents he has seen over the editions so far.

“I’m excited to see these young talents show class in the game. Their performance is an indication that if they have more competitions, they will be able to compete at any level.

This fourth edition at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library had a total of 79 registered participants cut across all the categories.

As a former champions in these categories, I will continue to do this as my own way of encouraging the young ones and provide them with opportunities that will propel them to be the best in what they do.”

Special guests of honour at the finals Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and former Green Eagles Captain Segun Odegbami both encouraged the players to be the best they can in their separate speeches and warned them not to rely on short cuts to success.