ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Nigeria’s professional squash player, Sodiq Taiwo, has expressed delight over the gradual return of sporting activities in the country.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development last week announced that sports activities can resume in closed doors and Taiwo noted that with the return of sporting events behind closed doors, squash players can now resume training after the COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of all PSA tournaments.
The former Nigeria men’s Squash No. 1, who is currently ranked third, talked about the effect of the COVID-19 and his preparedness to reclaim his top spot.
“For now, we as squash players just really need to get back to training,” he began.
“As a result of the COVID-19, there has been no tournament for now.
“But with the gradual reopening of sporting activities, we will have to continue training probably before the National Sports Festival.
“As for me, I just started my training on Monday.”
He further revealed that the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) are in talks with the Africa Squash Federation and the world squash body to provide palliatives for squash players.
“Meeting has been ongoing between NSF and the Africa Squash Federation concerning palliatives for squash players in the continent.
“We are waiting for them to conclude their meeting and let’s see how they will assist us because the COVID-19 really affected us as players.
“Unlike other sports, squash doesn’t have much sponsors,” he said.
Responding on the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival, which was suspended due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, he said he’s optimistic it will still hold.
“I believe the National Sports Festival will still hold this year.
“That is probably why the government announced that sporting activities should resume behind closed doors.
“Maybe it could hold November or December but I am optimistic it will hold,” he stressed.
On reclaiming his position as Nigeria No.1, he said he is training hard to achieve that.
“Last year I lost my position to Onaopemipo Adegoke and now I’m training hard to ensure I reclaim my first place.
“You know once you lose your top position, it is important you fight back and reclaim it, which is my target.”