Olatunji, others get NSF coaching certificates

Nigeria’s squash female number one player, Yemisi Olatunji and 21 others were awarded squash level three coaching certificates at the weekend after going through various squash training and exams between August 20 and 22 conducted at the squash section, Lagos Lawn Tennis club.

The training conducted by the World Squash Federation Technical Instructor, Matt Mcfahn from England, saw the coaches going through the basic lessons and modern techniques in squash.

Mcfahn noted that the coaching course would assist young Nigerians at the grassroots get more experience in squash through the knowledge acquired by the coaches at the three-day event.

“The training of the coaches where done in different sections to make the coaches understand more about the basic knowledge of the sports. I am happy that most of the coaches present at the training are from all parts of the country. This would give them opportunities to reach out to more youths and groom them to be squash stars.

“I want to use this opportunity to tell all Nigerians interested in squash to go to the NSF website and their indicate interest as they will be attended to by NSF’s representatives. Every Squash Federation needs qualified coaches to be the best in squash,” he said.

Chairman, Caretaker Committee NSF, Boye Oyerinde, said that the coaching programme is another avenue by the federation to groom more manpower to teach squash in Nigeria.

“The squash certification training is a way to improve the knowledge of old and new coaches on the modern rudiments of the game. The knowledge they acquire will go a long way to produce more squash talents in Nigeria. In future, we want to see the coaches trained here producing international stars for the country,” he stated.

Olatunji, who was among the coaches awarded certificates, applauded the organisers for the programme, adding that grooming young talents when she retires from active squash has been her desire. Olatunji however added that she is open to attend international squash championship this year if funds are made available.