WSF World Junior Squash Championships 20 July – 31 July 2026, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
History was made at the 2026 World Squash Junior Team Championships as Nigeria made its debut in the women’s team event in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Nigeria became the newest nation to join the women’s team competition, taking its place among the 16 teams contesting for the prestigious title.
Just days into their debut at the World Junior Team Championship, Nigeria have already become one of the stories of the tournament. And despite a first tie defeat to the hosts Canada, they were able to light up the court, stunning No.9 seeds Brazil 2-1 to record the nation’s first-ever victory at the event.
Following the landmark victory, head coach and technical director Jonah Ibrahim Attah was delighted with his team’s achievement. He said: “We are really excited, and we hope we have given ourselves a good account of ourselves.
“We are so happy to get our first win as a team. It feels so rewarding and gives us a lot more confidence.”
“[On the two five-game matches] It was so tight, and there was a lot of expectation, but they were able to rise above it and get the first win. These results will give us a lot of confidence, and we, as coaches, just have to keep reminding them to not feel the pressure, and encourage them to express themselves and play their own way.”
After experiencing travel delays ahead of the World Squash Junior Individual Championships, Attah also reflected on what it meant to finally arrive in Niagara-on-the-Lake and represent Nigeria on the world stage.
He said: “We had issues with delays in getting here, but, thanks to all the people that work behind the scenes to make it possible for us to be here, it’s been amazing.
“We have had so many messages from people back home, sharing how they are proud to be Nigerian and proud to be represented through our distinct culture. The government is happy, the players back home are happy, and we’re going to have fun, encourage the girls to make friends, and make the most of this opportunity.”
For Attah, however, this week is about much more than results, but also an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Nigerian squash players and continue growing the sport back home.
Attah said: “This is a huge step and a huge opportunity for the girls to showcase the beautiful talents we have in Nigeria.
“We see a lot of young and upcoming girls who are playing squash, who want to take the step up to play at the World Squash Junior Championships.
“So, for the girls that are here, they are hoping to use this opportunity and make the most of it to improve their on-court game, make new friends and learn from the world’s best players,” he added.
The experience has also been a special one for Attah himself, who is the first coach to lead the Nigerian women’s team at the World Squash Junior Team Championships. He added: “It means a lot to me because being the first coach to bring the first women’s team to the championships here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it is huge!
“I feel emotional because I have a special passion for the girls’ team, as we have put a lot of focus and attention working with them. Through this experience, we are trying to see how we can shape and mould them into squash players, and this experience furthers that.
“As a coach, bringing them to the World Juniors and allowing them to have this experience is something I believe in strongly, and will only help us improve.”
Attah continued: “The fact that I have been able to come here with them after months of training together has taught me a lot, and I’m going to work hard to make sure we keep sending these girls to gain exposure to top-level squash.
“It’s a great chance for them to go back home and apply everything they’ve learned here. I’m sure that when these players go back to Nigeria, their game is not going to be the same anymore.”
For the latest World Squash news, follow World Squash on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) or subscribe to the World Squash Newsletter.
