The game of squash is set to wear a new look in the country as it is set to regain its lost glory and pride of place as one of the nation’s elite sports.
This much was revealed at the weekend in Abuja by Major General Shehu Yusuf (Rtd) who announced his candidature as President of the Nigeria Squash Federation.
He stated that the days of paying lip services to the development of the sport are over and that he will walk the talk to get squash back on track. General Yusuf, a one-time GOC of 82 Div in Enugu and also a former Director of Physical Training in Nigeria Army noted that the time to take the bull by the horn has come.
It would be recalled that Gen Yusuf has single handedly built more than five state of the art squash courts around the country and sponsored or supported various tournaments and players both at home and abroad.
On his reason for throwing his hat into the ring as a candidate for the president, Gen. Yusuf said it is not because of what to do but to give back to the society that gave him so much.
“Sports has played a big role in my life even while in the Army. I play basketball, did athletics and play squash which was my passion in service.”
It is for these reasons that I am contesting. I have developed a grassroot approach and know that credible sponsorship is key in the quest to make the sport a medals haven for Nigeria.”
He also promised to organise regular tournaments around the country and make schools squash competition a priority in his drive to catch young athletes.