The Nigeria Squash Federation has stepped up preparations ahead of the 2026 World Junior Team Squash Championship scheduled to take place in Ontario, Canada, from July 20 to July 31, with officials expressing optimism about the country’s participation at the global event.

President of the federation, Wilson Egberipou, confirmed that training programmes have been intensified as Nigeria looks to field a competitive squad in one of the sport’s most prestigious junior competitions, organised by the World Squash Federation and featuring some of the best U-19 players from across the world.

Egberipou explained that Nigeria intends to present a balanced team comprising four male and four female players, adding that the selection process is aimed at ensuring equal representation and competitive depth across both categories.

“We have intensified our preparations. It’s a very important championship,” he said.

According to him, participation in the competition will provide Nigerian players with valuable experience against top-level international opposition, which he believes is essential for their long-term growth in the sport.

“These players need global experience. This is part of long-term development as Nigeria’s participation is part of a broader developmental strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s presence in international squash through consistent youth engagement and exposure to elite tournaments,” he added.

The federation president expressed confidence that the championship would play a key role in accelerating the progress of the selected athletes as they compete on the world stage.

“It will help their progress greatly,” he said.

Nigeria’s preparations continue as stakeholders maintain that regular exposure to top-level competition remains crucial for nurturing future champions in the sport.

The World Squash Junior Championships is organised annually by the World Squash Federation and features players aged U-19, with Egypt continuing to dominate recent editions.

Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria is the two-time defending men’s champion, having defeated Korea’s Na Joo-young in 2024 and compatriot Marwan Assal in 2025, while Egypt’s Amina Orfi has been equally dominant in the women’s event, winning four consecutive titles since 2022.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will face Madagascar, co-hosts Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau for a place at the tournament.

The draw was conducted at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo on Tuesday, with former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong serving as one of the draw assistants.

A total of 48 teams will participate in the qualifiers, with the draw producing 12 groups and 24 teams qualifying for the finals.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Nigeria were drawn from Pot 1 and handed a relatively favourable path to the tournament.

However, due to the presence of Tanzania — who have qualified automatically as co-hosts — in the group, only the top team will qualify for the finals.

The same applies to other groups containing any of the co-hosts, while the top two teams from the remaining groups will qualify.

Among the notable groups, 2023 champions Côte d’Ivoire were drawn alongside Ghana, The Gambia and Somalia in Group C.

Winners of the 2025 edition, Senegal, will face Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia in Group J, while 2025 AFCON hosts Morocco will face Gabon, Niger and Lesotho.

The qualifying campaign will be played across three international windows. The opening two matchdays are scheduled for the FIFA window from September 21 to October 6, 2026, before Matchdays Three and Four take place from November 9 to 17, 2026.

The final two rounds of matches will be played from March 22 to 30, 2027, when the line-up for the tournament is expected to be completed.

Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League title is over after rivals Manchester City drew at Bournemouth, in what is expected to be Pep Guardiola’s penultimate game in charge.

Tuesday’s result on the south coast leaves Mikel Arteta’s men four points clear of City before the final round of games take place on Sunday, with the Gunners set to lift the trophy at Crystal Palace.

Build-up to this game had been overshadowed by dramatic reports that Guardiola is set to step down as City manager at the end of this season.

He told television broadcasters before the game that speculation over his future had “absolutely zero” impact on preparations, but his side were outplayed and outfought by the brilliant Cherries, who extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches.

Buoyed on by a raucous following at the compact venue, teenager striking sensation Junior Kroupi curled in a sublime finish six minutes before half-time.

Home goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic making a vital save to deny Nico O’Reilly early in the second half and although Erling Haaland scored a late equaliser, the hosts held on.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola announced he will leave at the end of this season – and this result ensures the Spaniard has helped achieve the magnificent feat of securing European football for next term.

If Guardiola’s 10-year trophy-filled tenure is drawing to a close, he will have to make do with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as a final flourish.

City’s chase for the title came to a halt in Bournemouth and the 55-year-old will leave the job having won six Premier League titles while in charge, but having had two consecutive seasons without finishing top for the first time in his career.

This was a must-win game for City if they wanted to extend the race for five more days, but the home game against Aston Villa on Sunday is now anticipated to be Guardiola’s farewell.

City had beaten their opponents in 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings but have now failed to win back-to-back games at this stadium, with this setback proving decisive as they ended with a whimper.

The visitors played like a side that were distracted by other matters and despite a rally in injury-time when Rodri struck the post and Haaland pulled a goal back in the 95th minute, a draw was not enough.

The returning Antoine Semenyo thought he had scored against his former club but his effort was ruled out for offside, while the league’s top scorer Haaland saw a thumping shot from the angle blocked by Evanilson.

Guardiola and his side must gather themselves for one final game which is bound to be an emotional affair, as Italian Enzo Maresca waits in the wings to take over.

Will the Champions League anthem ring in the ears of Bournemouth’s players and fans next season?

Haaland’s late leveller leaves the Cherries three points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, but a sixth-place finish would be good enough too if Aston Villa won the Europa League on Wednesday AND ended the season in fifth position.

Whatever happens, Iraola will leave the club with at least the Europa League to play in next season, showcasing the sterling work he has produced during his tenure.

“One more year, one more year Iraola” was the chant from the home supporters, but the club have already agreed a replacement in German Marco Rose, who has a monumental task to live up to his predecessor’s achievements.

Evanilson gave City a warning side when he somehow scooped over from inside six yard box from Marcus Tavernier’s superb low cross but the flag did go up for offside.

A poked effort following a flowing team move was pushed away by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Kroupi curled in a stunning finish for his 13th goal of the season.

It could have been a more comfortable scoreline when Alex Scott ran through late on, and although the Englishman struck the post, and Haaland denied them victory, the home fans were still celebrating at the final whistle.

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