Bayero University Squash Club successfully brought together Kano’s major squash clubs for the inaugural Kano Squash Championship 2025, creating a platform for competition, sportsmanship, and unity among players across the state.
Daily News 24 reports that the two-day tournament took place from November 15 to 16 at Bayero University, Kano. The event was organised under the leadership of Dr. Yusuf Umar, Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Nigerian Squash Federation, and attracted players from Bayero University Squash Club, Ado Bayero Squash Club, and the Kano Club Squash section.
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Abdulhamid Yahaya, chairman of the audit committee of BUK Squash Club, said the championship was inspired by the desire to unite all active squash communities in Kano. He explained that while smaller competitions had previously been held between BUK and other clubs, this tournament was unique in bringing all major clubs together.
“In the spirit of One Kano, we decided to organise a championship that cuts across all major squash clubs. This is what we call the first Kano Squash Championship,” he said, adding that organisers hope to continue the event annually.
The championship featured team and individual competitions across three categories: active, veteran, and super veteran. In the active category, Saminu Muhammed of the Kano Club, formerly Officers Mess, emerged as winner, with Yusuf Muhammed of Ado Bayero Squash Club finishing as runner up. In the super veteran category, a former Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) representing Kano Club emerged as champion
Yahaya stressed that the championship was not about prize money but about promoting sportsmanship and nurturing squash in Kano. He highlighted the challenges facing the sport, noting that even internationally, access to tournaments can be difficult due to strict registration rules and high fees, and that in some countries squash courts have been converted for other sports. “In Kano, we must make sacrifices and support everything we can, including rackets, balls and shoes, to grow the sport,” he said. He added that squash helps develop mental agility, quick decision-making, and overall human development.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting sports in Kano and urged the government to increase investment in squash.
Nura Garba, deputy registrar and head of digital media at BUK, observed that basketball and football remain more popular than squash. He suggested promoting squash from primary schools to university level to allow players to build professional careers.
Ado Haruna, head of Mechatronics Engineering at BUK and active squash club member, described sports as a unifying force that teaches discipline, care, and respect. He also highlighted the challenge of sponsorship, explaining that this year’s tournament was funded by colleagues and well-meaning Nigerians. While the government has pledged more support for future competitions, Haruna encouraged private-sector involvement, saying, “The government cannot do it alone.”
At the conclusion of the championship, certificates of participation were awarded to all players, marking a milestone in promoting squash and fostering a thriving sports culture in Kano.
