Sports - Other Sports
Updated: August 24, 2020

EXCLUSIVE: Hugely Experienced US-Based Nigerian Squash Coach Impressed With Number Of Good Players In West African Country

By Ridwan Yusuf
August 24, 2020
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Friday Odeh's squash career began in Nigeria more than 30 years ago, where he earned a #1 national ranking as both an adult (1994–1995) and junior (1986–1988) player. He represented his country at numerous World and African Championships before arriving in the U.S. in 1995. The winner or semifinalist in dozens of Open and U.S. Squash tournaments in the U.S. and abroad, including the Brown University Pro/Am (1998) and the Dartmouth/Pro Am Open (1998, 2000, 2001), Odeh's success in the sport continues. In 2011, he earned the U.S. Squash Nationals 40+ crown and was a semifinalist in the 45+ category of the same tournament in 2016 and 2017. He is currently a member of the U.S Master's Team.

Odeh holds a US Squash Level 2 Coaching Certification and has over 25 years of coaching experience.

He has served as a Squash Pro at the New York Sports Club and Downtown Athletics Club, both in New York City, as well as at The Club at Ricochet in South Plainfield, and Valkyrie Squash Club and Monmouth Squash Club in Sea Bright.

Odeh earned a B.A. in Physical Education and Sports at Lagos State University (LASU).

He has worked with numerous junior and adult squash players in the U.S. and abroad, including such notable athletes as former Nigeria #1 and PSA world ranked Ehimen Ehalen and U.S. #4 and PSA world ranked Christopher Cordon.

The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

AllNews: You’re hugely experienced in squash, what do you think can be done to develop the game in Nigeria.

Odeh: Thanks for this question. NSF [Nigeria Squash Federation] need to restructure their programs by setting up a good junior training program, not just tournaments.

Mainly set up regional training centers. Assign coaches to the regions. Also, start developing kids from under the ages of 11.

Lastly, send 3 - 6 kids to junior tournaments abroad. This pushes others to train hard to make the team next time.

Nigerian contingent to an international tournament, including Adegoke Onaopemipo (front) and Busayo Olatunji (2nd from right)

AllNews: As a former Nigeria No.1 (both in the junior and senior category), what can you say about young players like Adegoke Onaopemipo and Busayo Olatunji who are trailing similar path?

Odeh: Honestly I am really impressed with the number of good players we have in Nigeria especially 'Onas', Yemisi and others. They need more exposures and high-level coaches to help them move or improve more to challenge pros around the world.

AllNews: To be a champion athlete, how much is talent, and how much is hardwork?

Odeh: In Nigeria, we got the talents but just need good structure to develop their skills and training hard.

AllNews: How important is Sports Medicine in your success? E.g, nutrition, fitness, physio.

Odeh: That's is a huge part for athletes. It's important to what food or drinks to take before or after matches or training.
Most importantly, fitness is the key for a squash player.

AllNews: Aside from certification, what does it take to be a squash coach?

Odeh: Knowledge of the game, understanding how to work varieties of players and role models to kids or players around you.

AllNews: Who was the greatest influence on your career?

Odeh: This is a tough question. There are so many people who helped and influenced me in my career but my parents were the ones who gave me the head-start.

AllNews: Squash in the 90s and present day. What has the evolution been like to someone like you who has spent decades in the game and significant period abroad?

Odeh: Squash now has really changed compared to the 90s. Players are better athletes (stronger and faster). Squash equipments like shoes and rackets are much better but the 90s squash is mainly fitness and toughness.