Nigeria’s Tosin Bejide pulled a splendid performance to emerge the champion of the 2026 National Squash Open in Ghana.
The fast-rising Tosin defeated Ghana’s number 1, Evans Ayih, in all three sets (11-6, 11-4, and 11-2) to win the ultimate last Sunday at the Tema Squash Court.
Prior to his achieving this feat, Tosin saw off Ernest Anafo in the semis while Evans Ayih proved his worth against Yaw Dadzie in a fierce contest.
For his prize, the Nigerian ranked number 6 was awarded a trophy, cheque of Gh₵5,000, a double-door refrigerator, and a squash racket.
According to him, he remains grateful to the Ghana Squash Association for the opportunity, citing that he was mentally prepared and was aiming for the ultimate.
Evans Ayih, the 1st runner-up, went home with a cheque of Gh₵3,000, a 43-inch digital television, and a squash racket.
For third place, Ernest Anafo defeated Yaw Dadzie, receiving a cheque of Gh₵2,000 and a microwave, while Yaw Dadzie picked up a rice cooker and Gh₵1,000 as his prize.
Put together by the Ghana Squash Association with support from Glico General, the two-day event with over 60 players, from May 1-2, was among many of the events the association has put together to rank players, and where necessary, they are selected into the national team for any international competitions.
It was also an avenue for young athletes to showcase their skills with some mouthwatering clashes, including Stanley and Bryan as well as 15-year-old Yaw Nimo and Nana Kwesi.
As part of their efforts to improve and support the sports, Glico General presented all players who made the quarter-finals of the competition, young and old players, and the officials, including referees.
Speaking after the event, the Tema Branch Manager of Glico General Insurance, Mr. Felix Gbogbo, thanked all the athletes for participating, adding that Glico General will continue to throw their weight behind the discipline.
He stressed that plans are underway to renovate the Achimota Squash Court and other facilities, urging the association to let their guards down.
The President of the Ghana Squash Association, Richmond Rexford Quarcoo, thanked Glico General for their unwavering support and all the athletes for their commitment and dedication throughout the two days.
He urged athletes and other individuals to take up the discipline, adding that it comes with numerous opportunities.
Mr. Quarcoo stressed that the association will soon host the Women’s Senior and the Level 1 coaching courses while they also prepare for the National Ranking Tournament and other club championships with dates and venues yet to be announced.
By: Linus Siaw Nartey
