pristinegist 
Kwara State’s squash contingent delivered an impressive outing at the 2025 National U23 Squash Championship, clinching one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal at the national tournament held in Lagos on July 2, 2025.
In the Ladies’ final, top-seeded Misturah Durosinlorun of Kwara State defeated her Lagos counterpart, second-seeded Awawu Balogun, in four sets. Durosinlorun won 3-1 (12/10, 7/11, 11/1, 11/6), securing the gold medal for Kwara.
Meanwhile, the Men’s final saw an intense five-set encounter between Dominion Utukpe (representing JHSF/Lagos) and Kwara’s Shuaib Giwa. Despite a strong comeback from Giwa after falling behind early, Utukpe eventually triumphed 3-2 (14/12, 8/11, 9/11, 14/12, 11/6). Giwa’s efforts earned him the silver medal.
Kwara also picked up a bronze medal from earlier stages of the tournament, rounding off a successful campaign for the state.
The championship, which brought together Nigeria’s best under-23 squash talents, is part of efforts by the Nigeria Squash Federation to identify and nurture future champions.
Reacting to the performance, Sheu Aliyu, Secretary of the Kwara Squash Association, expressed satisfaction with the team’s outing.
“It was a proud moment for Kwara. Misturah and Giwa showed great discipline and fighting spirit. We are grateful for the support that made this possible,” he said.
Aliyu went on to acknowledge the contributions of stakeholders who have supported squash development in the state:
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his unwavering support and investment in sports. Our gratitude also goes to the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, for consistently being a pillar of strength to the squash team.”
He further praised the Chairman of the Kwara State Squash Association, Professor Olayinka Buhari, whose motivation and support have been instrumental in the team’s success.
The Harmony team is not resting on its laurels. Barely 24 hours after the Lagos tournament, the Kwara squad is set to travel to Abeokuta to participate in the Olusegun Obasanjo Squash Championship, scheduled to begin this week.
“We ask for continued prayers for the safety and success of our team,” Aliyu added.
About The Author
