From Borrowed Racket to World Stage: Quadri Yusuf's Squash Journey

Seven years ago, a borrowed squash racket sparked a passion in 10-year-old Quadri Yusuf in Lagos. Now, the determined 17-year-old is set to represent Nigeria at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships in Canada.

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If you like it that much, come and join us.

Yusuf's journey to this significant stage is a testament to years of sacrifice and unwavering belief. He aims to demonstrate that Nigerian players can challenge the dominance of traditional squash powerhouses. The competition will feature around 20 countries, including strong contingents from Egypt, England, India, and Pakistan.

Many of Yusuf's rivals have extensive international experience. However, observers point to his composure under pressure, relentless determination, and unshakeable self-belief as key qualities. These attributes were evident when he recently defended both the Under-19 and Senior Men's titles at the Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament, winning two demanding five-set finals against Shuaib Giwa. This marked the second consecutive year he achieved this double, highlighting his skill and endurance.

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I was introduced to squash by my childhood friends, Joshua Daniel and Elijah Daniel. We all lived in the same neighbourhood. One day they brought a squash racket to our house. My elder brother, Ayomide Yusuf, and I became fascinated by it. We didn’t want to give it back.

Yusuf recalls being captivated by the sport after his friends, Joshua and Elijah Daniel, brought a squash racket to his home. He and his elder brother, Ayomide, were fascinated and eventually invited to a squash court, where the enclosed nature of the game was a novel experience.

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The first time we entered a squash court, everything looked strange. We had never seen squash before. We didn’t even know it was played inside an enclosed court. We just stood there watching and trying to understand what was happening.