Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria, claims that the grace of God and his ability to play squash have been the keys to his long life.

He admitted to being addicted to the game of squash.

According to Obasanjo, he said this on Saturday when speaking at the finals of the third Olusegun Obasanjo National Squash Championship, which took place in Abeokuta, in the state of Ogun.

The event featured Senior and U16 divisions – men and women, boys and girls – and drew participation from various states throughout the country.

Squash tournament organized by Ogun State Squash Association in partnership with Nigeria Squash Federation.

In his remarks, President Obasanjo hailed squash, called it a game of the army, as engaging and thrilling.

Despite his advanced age, the 84-year-old squash player maintains that God’s grace and the game of squash are the keys to his longevity.

“Those of you who probably feel that the game of squash is fearful, you can now see the beauty, excitement, and the interest. It is a very beautiful game,” Obasanjo said.

“I am addicted to it. And when people ask me, at my young age… I am a young man, officially, 84, going to 85 years. I’m still playing squash. So, when people ask me, what is the secret? It’s the grace of God and squash is part of the secret.”

“Again, it is a game that does not require too much time. If you are a very busy person, when you play a game of squash for one hour, you must be sweating. There are other games, when you play them for three hours, you don’t even know that you are playing a game. But here, you are in the court for 45, 50, or 60 minutes, you have got a good exercise for the day,” he said.

The champion of the under-16 division of the tournament was Mistura Durosinoluwa from Kwara State, who was also a participant.

Mistura defeated Delight Allison of Akwa Ibom State in the final of the Nigerian Squash Championship, which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Squash court in Abeokuta.

Dominion Ntupe of Lagos was crowned champion in the boys’ division.