By Sports Recorder
The South-South Squash Tournament concluded on a high note in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, with young athletes from across the region delivering impressive performances at the Jacob Esuene Squash Club, Villa Marina.
Sponsored by Engr. Iniobong Jacob Esuene in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Squash Association and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports, the tournament lived up to expectations, producing thrilling matches and highlighting emerging talents in the sport.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, commended Engr. Esuene for his commitment to squash development and grassroots sports growth in the state.
Bassey said the partnership between private sports enthusiasts and the Ministry of Sports was critical to the actualisation of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda for sports development. According to him, such collaborations would accelerate the state’s progress in nurturing young athletes.
“When you have people like Engr. Iniobong Esuene managing sports associations and partnering effectively with the Ministry of Sports, the ARISE dreams of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, will come to reality faster than people think,” Bassey stated.
He stressed that the state government remains committed to grassroots sports development, noting that recent cash awards to outstanding youths had begun to yield positive results. “Some of the athletes here today are beneficiaries. I was delighted to see them winning millions,” he added.
In his remarks, Engr. Esuene, who is the Director of the Jacob Esuene Squash Club and Vice Chairman of Squash in Akwa Ibom State, expressed gratitude to the coaches, officials, players, and partners for the success of the tournament.
He described the event as fulfilling, saying it was encouraging to see athletes from across the South-South region gather in Eket to compete. Esuene also thanked the Commissioner for Sports for attending both the opening and final matches, describing his presence as a strong morale booster.
Advising the athletes, Esuene urged them to uphold discipline and sportsmanship, noting that the essence of the competition went beyond trophies. He encouraged participants to use the experience gained to improve their skills and character as they return home.
Some of the athletes also praised the organisers for a well-coordinated competition. Under-17 boys winner, Wisdom Nzei, described the tournament as highly competitive and lively, adding that it provided valuable exposure for young players.
At the end of the competition, several players emerged winners across different categories. Favour David claimed the Under-13 girls title, defeating God’sFiner Temple 11-9, 11-9, 11-6. Tutor Simon won the Under-13 boys title after overcoming Covenant Ulisis 11-5, 17-15, 9-11, 11-1.
In the Under-17 category, Mitchell Ibanga defeated Caleb Abraham 11-7, 11-7, 11-6 to win the boys’ title, while Otuyo Ese-Oghene secured the girls’ title with a 11-2, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5 victory over Gift Ulisis. The senior women’s title went to Delight Temple, who edged Grace Okon 8-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8.
The tournament further reinforced Akwa Ibom State’s growing reputation as a hub for grassroots sports development and youth talent discovery in the South-South region.
