The inaugural edition of the Rernco Sports Academy Squash Tournament served off yesterday at Ikoyi Club 1938 with 68 players comprising 50 men and 18 Ladies vying for $2,000 top prize in the men and ladies categories.
The five-day event which is also featuring kids clinic will offer PSA points as it falls under the closed satellite in the PSAWorld Tour Calendar as well as national ranking points are also on offer for the players.
Founder/CEO of Rernco Sports Academy, Rerhe Idonijie, declared that the tournament is poised to revolutionize squash in Nigeria as they have mapped out plans to partner with various developmental programmes with the aim of making squash one of the top five sports in Nigeria.
“What has been the driving force for us at Rernco is the belief that sport is an arena that can counteract social inequalities in children’s and young people’s lives. Moreover, the potential that has been displayed by squash enthusiasts; the players, coaches, and officials have shown tremendous commitment to be world class athletes,” he said.
“Furthermore, we are grateful to the likes of Zenith Bank, Nestle Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Sweet Sensation, and Afrione that have supported us and Rernco feels privileged to be a platform for which the big dreams of Nigerian squash players can turn into reality.”
Nigeria Squash Federation boss, Boye Oyerinde, commended the sponsors noting that their coming on board to add to the national tournaments will go a long way in aiding the growth of the sport.
In declaring the tournament open, former board member of the NSF Folarin RA Williams lauded the sponsors noting it is important it incorporated a clinic which he stressed will aid the growth of the sport.
Men’s top seed Onas Adegoke is confident of landing the top prize. He declared he was in top shape for the tournament and he sees no one stopping him from claiming the $1,000 prize money in the men’s senior classes.