The Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) has ramped up preparations for the upcoming WSF World Junior Team Squash Championship in Ontario, Canada, scheduled from July 20 to July 31. Federation president Sunday Egberipou made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja. Nigeria will field four male and four female players at the tournament, selected from a pool of 12 athletes currently in camp. Only eight players and three coaches will travel to Canada, with final departure set for July 18.
The male team is led by 16-year-old Daniel Akpan, while 19-year-old Delight Allison captains the female squad. The second phase of training began on April 30 and runs until May 15 in Abuja. This will be followed by a third and final camping phase starting June 28. Egberipou described the championship as a key opportunity for exposure and competitive growth. He expressed confidence in the team's potential to deliver strong results.
Egberipou called on corporate bodies, sports stakeholders and the public to support the team. "We need the support of everyone to ensure that our youth remain productive and continue to excel in sports," he said. Transcorp Hilton Abuja's General Manager, Martyn Zarybnicky, urged the players to stay disciplined. "You represent yourselves, Nigeria and the sport of squash. Practice well, sleep well, eat well and make the country proud," he said. NSF Vice President Haniel Hadison affirmed the federation's commitment to supporting the athletes. Over 200 under-19 players from dozens of countries are expected at the event, according to NAN.
Sunday Egberipou says only eight players will represent Nigeria, yet 12 are in camp weeks before final selection, leaving three athletes without clarity on their status. The extended camping period ends May 15, but the final phase does not begin until June 28, creating a gap in structured preparation. Players are expected to remain focused during this downtime with no confirmed training plan in place. The federation's timeline raises questions about continuity in athlete development.
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