Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) player, Gabriel Olufunmilayo defies injury to emerge champion of the Abuja Squash Open 2023 on Saturday.
Gabriel Olufunmilayo beat Onaopemipo Adegoke 3-0 (14-12, 11-6, 11-7) in an explosive final played at the indoor squash court of Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Olufunmilayo told www.aclsports.com that he twisted his ankle prior to the Open and was advised not to feature in the tournament.
The former Kwara player revealed that playing Onaopemipo Adegoke in most final always make him a much better player.
He said, “I will love to say a big thank you to God Almighty for this great winning because I was not expecting to become the champion of the Abuja Squash Open 2023. At the 1st Mailafia Squash Championship, I twisted my ankle and people told me to pull out but I was using my faith to play the tournament”.
“Since the chart of 64, I have been play 3-0 up to the final and it has not happened in recent time and I am so amazed right now; I was so emotional because I and Onaopemipo have been meeting in couple of finals.
“In the second half of the year, I have beaten him thrice afterwards, he has been winning me in the finals up till now. We always end the final 3-2 (major scores) in his favour but today, I won 3-0 with comfort; it was a very tough match but I am glad it went in my favour”.
Olufunmilayo said his dream is to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics since squash has been included into the Olympic Games.
He said, “I have the potential of playing the game to the topmost level and I will definitely be at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics because I have the ability to do that.
“Next year will be a great year because a foundation is planning to take squash players for a training tour (Coaching crew plus welfare) and everything we need to improve our game”.
