Followers of the game of squash in Nigeria will be familiar with the name ‘Magaji’ from the 1980s and 1990s.
It was a name that rang a bell inside and outside the court from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, to Lagos and the entire country.
As the progenitors of the name in the game have retired into coaching and administration, their offsprings have taken over, with one of them, Shuaib Giwa, on a sensational ascendancy in Nigerian squash, showcasing impressive skills and determination.
At the age of 16, Giwa is currently ranked Nigeria’s No. 21 in the senior category after dominating the junior category for a number of years.
Born into a squash-loving family, Giwa’s journey to becoming Nigeria’s No. 21 senior player is a testament to his hard work, passion, and genetic predisposition. He didn’t even need coaching to start handling the racket.
“He was nine months old when I brought him to the First Lagos Open during the time of Governor Raji Fashola,” his mother and coach Bili Magaji told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“He then went to the court and picked the racket of a foreign player. After the game, the man won the match, came out of the court, and gifted Shuaib the racket.”
His entry into squash was inevitable, considering his family’s rich history in the sport. His mother, Bili, a renowned player in her day, represented Kwara State and Nigeria at various tournaments. Her siblings also made significant contributions to Nigerian squash, sustaining the family’s reputation as squash dynasty.
“When he was three, he started playing on his own, and that was when I started training him alongside one other boy, Ibrahim, and he was Nigeria’s No. 1 in U-16 before moving to the senior category.
“As her mother, I am very proud, and as his coach, it’s just a thing of joy to see your player making waves,” said the proud mother.
Giwa exudes so much confidence but feels the weight of sustaining his maternal family’s squash legacy. To him, the sport has been a part of him since he was little, and he can’t afford to let his guard down.
“After every game, I call my mum’s siblings. Most times they follow me to championships and review my matches with me. So, I must keep them happy by performing at my best at every tournament. Even if I don’t win, they just want to see me play well. I remember losing to Matthew Yusuf three times, and I know how they helped me review those matches,” he told PUNCH Sports Extra.
His mother talks more about members of the Magaji dynasty who always look out for Giwa and his cousins.
“Our eldest brother, Bolakale Magaji, is one of the first squash coaches in Nigeria. A lot of players like coach Wasiu Sanni of Lagos State, former Nigerian champion Moses Olubo, Isiaka Magaji, Yusuf Durosinlorun, Ladies Magaji, and many other players like that.
“We like squash in our family, maybe because of our brother, and we have made a name for that game. The Durosilonruns are part of the Magajis too,” she added.
Like his ancestors, Giwa has dominated the U-16 category in recent years, winning about 20 championships, including the Chief Olusosun Obasanjo National Squash Championship, the Frigate National Squash Open, the FTouch Boys U-16 Championship, as well as the Durosilonrun Memorial North-Central Squash Competition.
As he progresses, his immediate target is to become Nigeria’s number five in the senior category and then prepare to take on the world.
He said, “So I can just say this year is gone already. I’m planning for the next year; I want to plan for my education as well. I want to make sure I enter the top five in Nigeria. From there I will seek more opportunities, and I want to make sure I become the world number one in the near future.
“My ambition is to seek scholarships abroad to continue playing squash and studying at the same time. And I also want to study international relations.”
The name ‘Magaji’ is a male surname that originated in Nigeria’s Hausa tribe and means leader, chief, or successor.
With his sights set on becoming world No. 1, Giwa is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport and sustain the Magaji’s squash legacy as a true heir apparent.