Ahead LA28 Olympics: Uchenna Uba advocates right funding for Nigeria Squash Federation

Following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Uchenna Uba, a board member of the Nigeria Squash Federation, has called for increased funding to help the federation secure a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Squash, which will make its Olympic debut in 2028, is one of five new sports featured in the upcoming games.

Uba emphasized that a deliberate plan of action, supported by adequate financing, is crucial for Nigeria to qualify for the event. He noted that Nigeria already has talented players who are committed to giving their best. “We will most definitely qualify from the African region, and with hard work and a lucky draw, we will do well at the Olympics in 2028. I would be dishonest if I told you that we will win medals at the LA Olympics—that would be wishful thinking. But with hard work and a good draw, we will definitely do well,” Uba stated.

He highlighted the importance of exposing young Nigerian players to international tournaments to gain experience and develop their skills. Uba added, “If we can secure the right funding and training for these players to consistently participate in tournaments abroad, then we might be in contention for a medal in the 2032 Olympics, but certainly not in 2028.”

Acknowledging Egypt’s dominance in the sport, Uba expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to compete on the global stage. He pointed out that while Egypt is a global powerhouse in squash, Nigeria has made significant strides under the leadership of Boye Oyerinde, the president of the Nigeria Squash Federation. “Today, we can boast of being the African number two powerhouse in squash. In recent years, we were behind South Africa, but with our recent successes in African tournaments and the world squash team championships, we have surpassed them. We have many talented junior players who, with the right guidance and sponsorship, could become the best players Nigeria has ever produced.”

Uba also noted that Nigeria’s progress in squash has been hindered by poor funding. “We should have improved much more than we have, but funding issues have been a general problem across all sports in Nigeria,” he concluded.