Prime Atlantic Squash Open 2026 welcomes 190 participants in Lagos

The fourth Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament has begun in Lagos, with organisers highlighting increased participation and talent development.
Chairman of the championship, Tomi Falase, said the tournament remained a key platform for discovering and nurturing squash talents.
Falase spoke during Monday’s opening ceremony at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 190 players registered for this year’s competition.

The figure represents an increase from the 150 players who participated in the 2025 edition.

Falase said the growth reflected rising interest and sustained grassroots development efforts.

“We are looking forward to more improvements in this year’s edition. Every year, we witness growth in participation and the quality of competition,” Falase said.
He noted that the increasing number of players showed squash was gaining wider acceptance nationwide.
“There are more players competing this year than last year, which is positive,” he said.
Falase described the championship as one of Nigeria’s biggest squash events, praising Prime Atlantic and other partners for supporting the tournament’s continued growth.
“We need more corporate organisations to invest in squash. Sponsorship is critical to developing the game and young talents,” he said.

The chairman expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian squash, especially among younger players.

He said junior athletes were becoming more competitive and challenging established players.
“There has been remarkable improvement among younger players. They are becoming more competitive and challenging the established stars,” he added.
Falase said stronger grassroots development would help produce more elite athletes while also predicting increased participation among female players in coming years.
Tournament Director, Wasiu Sanni, a former top-ranked male player, praised organisers for sustaining the event.
Sanni, however, called for more efforts to improve women’s participation.
“We have seen improvement, but there is still room for growth. We need to encourage more girls to take up squash,” Sanni said.
He described sports as a tool for youth development and social transformation. “Sports can change lives and create opportunities for young people,” he said.
Sanni said tournaments like Prime Atlantic could inspire youths to pursue sporting careers.
He also commended improved welfare packages for players through increased prize money.
He revealed that both male and female champions would receive N500,000 each. “This shows stakeholders are committed to rewarding excellence,” Sanni said.
Players also expressed confidence ahead of the competition’s later stages.
Ebifemi Taiwo, a previous quarter-finalist, said he was prepared for a better outing.
“I have prepared very well and hope to surpass last year’s performance,” Taiwo said.
Samuel Nduka also expressed optimism about improving his previous quarter-final result.

“I have worked on my stamina and overall game. I believe I will do better and take each match as it comes,” he added.
In opening-day results, David Agbaje defeated Mohammed Azim 3-0 in the men’s category.
Daniel Awe also secured a 3-0 victory over Godswill Ejiro.
In the Under-19 Boys category, Usman Abdusalami defeated Omotayo Ayomi 3-1.