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By Joe Apu
The fourth edition of the JGM Squash Championship will take place from April 8 to 11, 2026, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Squash Courts in Abeokuta, organisers have announced.
The championship, which features Under-16 and Under-19 boys and girls, continues its mission of developing grassroots squash talents across Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of JGM Residential Maintenance Services Limited, Niyi Oyewumi, said the decision to stage this year’s tournament in Abeokuta is in honour of former Nigerian Head of State and President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Oyewumi, a former U16 champion, ex-U19 national champion and the first Nigerian junior player to compete at the Hi-Tec British Open during his active career, described Obasanjo as a major inspiration.
“President Obasanjo has been very supportive of this project, and this is my own way of appreciating him. He still plays squash to keep fit, which is a great inspiration to young players. Hosting the championship in Abeokuta will further boost the growth of the game and motivate upcoming athletes,” Oyewumi said.
He noted that the competition has improved with each edition, stressing that although prize money is not the primary focus, the organisers have invested significantly in quality kits and equipment for participants.
“Our emphasis is on equipping players with the right tools to improve their game. With proper equipment and commitment to training, performance will naturally improve,” he added.
Previous editions of the championship were held twice in Ibadan, Oyo State, and once in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The JGM Squash Championship is also reputed as the only squash event in the country that caters for the feeding of all registered participants and officials.
Oyewumi, a former Technical Director of the Oyo State Squash Association, said his continued sponsorship of the tournament is aimed at encouraging young athletes to embrace squash and build sustainable professional careers from the sport.
