Lagos: In the past five years, Rofiat Abdulazeez from Kwara has emerged as Nigeria’s top female squash player, training at the revamped Kwara Stadium with its eight squash courts.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stadium, now named after the late former military administrator George Innih, previously had only two twin courts, which were inadequate for the state’s growing talent in squash. Abdulazeez highlighted the improved facilities, noting how the eight courts enhance training efficiency and skill improvement. She emphasized the need for ongoing maintenance to keep the courts in top shape.

The stadium’s transformation extends beyond squash. The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recognized the significance of table tennis in the state and constructed a modern table tennis arena. Malam Bello Azeez, a Technical Official of basketball, noted the arena’s readiness for national and international competitions, attributing past achievements of players like Atanda Musa to such facilities.

The George Innih Stadium Complex has undergone extensive renovations, including the squash courts, swimming pool, table tennis arena, indoor sports hall, football pitch, and handball courts. These upgrades, costing over N2 billion, position the stadium as a leader in sports infrastructure in West Africa.

Coach Bola Magaji, Executive Chairman of the Kwara Sports Commission, praised the governor for reviving sports infrastructure, which has curbed athletes from leaving the state and engaging them in positive activities. Magaji noted the stadium’s capacity to host 32 sports, attributing the state’s improved performance in the National Sports Festival to these investments.

Kwara Football Academy (KFA) student Abdullah Hassan chose the academy for its state-of-the-art facilities. Bako Ibrahim, CEO of KFA, acknowledged the governor’s support for the academy’s sustainability.

Mrs. Rukaiyat Shittu, Chairperson of the House Committee on Sports, described the infrastructure renewal as a strategic move to empower the community economically and develop youth-driven initiatives. Observers commend Kwara’s strides in grassroots sports development, calling it a model for others to emulate.