An Exclusive Interview with Mother-Daughter Duo: The Dasbak Duo Make History, Lead UNIJOS to Squash Gold at NUGA 27

An Exclusive Interview with Mother-Daughter: The Dasbak Duo Make History, Lead UNIJOS to Squash Gold at NUGA 27

A heartwarming piece of sporting history unfolded at the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA) in Jos, where a mother–daughter duo, Christabel and Charity Dasbak, powered the University of Jos to squash glory. Their remarkable partnership shone brightly in the women’s doubles event as they overcame a strong challenge from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, to claim the gold medal, drawing thunderous cheers from the home crowd. They later joined Nanribet Dasbak and Patience Danjuma in the team event, defeating the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 2–0 to reaffirm UNIJOS’s dominance in squash.

 In this exclusive conversation with Alli News correspondent, David Adesina, the pair speak about legacy, passion, challenges, and dreams for the future.

Meet the Dasbaks

The interview opens with introductions.

Interviewer: Hi, my name is David Adesina. I’d like to meet you. Please tell me your name, what you do, the department you’re in, the sport you play, and how long you’ve been playing it.

Christabel: My name is Christabel Dasbak. I’m in the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, 300 level. I play squash.

Charity: I am Charity Dasbak. I’m an MSc student in the Department of Sociology, studying Social Work. I’m also a squash coach in Plateau State and the squash coach for UNIJOS.

A Legacy of Passion

Interviewer: One of the first things I heard about the two of you is that you’re living the sporting dream of generational success in squash, and I found that interesting. I really wanted to understand the idea behind it. How long have you been playing squash, and what sparked your love for the sport?

Charity: I have been playing squash for a very long time, over 20 years. I was the country’s number one for years before I retired, and I’ve always been passionate about the sport.

Christabel grew up in the world her mother dominated, but her introduction to squash wasn’t as straightforward.

Interviewer: There were probably other sports you could have chosen. So why squash, and how has the journey been for you so far?

Christabel: I wasn’t playing professionally at first. I was just watching and playing for fun, not because I really wanted to. My heart wasn’t in it then. But after a while, I started developing an interest. It became so captivating that I decided to give it a try.

A Star in the Making

Despite starting late, Christabel’s rise has been remarkable.

Interviewer: How long have you been playing professionally?

Christabel: Just a few months now.

Interviewer: A few months… wow! This is your first NUGA, and you came out with gold. That’s impressive.

Christabel: Yes.

Winning her first gold medal alongside her mother was an emotional highlight.

Interviewer: How did it feel to win your first gold medal, and to win it alongside your mum?

Christabel: It feels really good to have her by my side, and I want to keep doing this for as long as I can. It’s beautiful.

Christabel has also travelled for competitions.

Interviewer: Which trip was the most interesting?

Christabel: Ilorin.

Interviewer: What made it interesting, and what competition was it?

Christabel: It was a Junior Festival. I didn’t expect to enjoy it that much. I didn’t have the training I have now, and I ended up losing, but it was still very interesting.

The Realities of Coaching Squash in Nigeria

Charity’s life as a coach paints a picture of passion mixed with deep challenges.

Interviewer: In your 15 years as a coach, what has been the biggest challenge?

Charity: The major challenge is financial. Squash equipment is very expensive. Getting access to a court is also a big problem. Supporting the kids you’re trying to groom is difficult.

She explains how many children eager to learn lack the basics:

Some come in slippers saying, “Coach, I want to play.” They can’t afford training shoes, rackets, balls, or anything. Sometimes my entire salary goes into supporting them, and it’s still not enough. Transport is another issue.

She adds that awareness is also lacking:

Most people don’t even know the sport. Those are the major challenges.

A Call for Support

When asked what message she would send to policymakers if given the opportunity, Charity doesn’t hesitate:

**Charity:
**They should build more squash courts in schools and make them accessible. Most courts today are in restricted areas: clubs that ordinary people cannot enter. If every local government had at least one squash court, just like football fields, it would make a huge difference.

She adds that equipment support and more volunteer coaches would help the sport grow nationwide.

Christabel’s Rapid Rise

Interviewer: Christabel, exactly how long have you been playing?

Christabel: Maybe 6 months.

Interviewer: How many medals have you won?

Christabel: Five in total, but just two this year.

When asked about her squash legends:

Interviewer: If there’s a legend you look up to, aside from your mum, who would it be?

Christabel: Still my mum.

Interviewer: Who is number two?

Christabel: Farag of Egypt.

With only six months of professional experience, expectations are high.

Interviewer: What should Nigerians look forward to from Christabel in the next six months to one year?

Christabel: They should expect me to keep flying around the country, making myself and the country proud, all to make the sport more popular.

A Fun Segment: This or That

To close the interview, a quick-fire round:

Interviewer: Squash or badminton?
Christabel: Squash, of course.
Charity: Squash!

Interviewer: Squash or lawn tennis?
Both: Squash!

Interviewer: Squash or table tennis?
Both: Squash!

Interviewer: So you’ve pledged yourselves to squash?
Both: Yes!

Looking Ahead: Squash in the Olympics

Interviewer: Is squash played at the Olympics?

Charity: They are about to. For years, it wasn’t included, but it will be in the upcoming Olympics.

Interviewer: So, what should we expect from the super duo?

Charity: It’s too early to say Christabel will play in the coming Olympics, but hopefully, the next one, by God’s grace, you should look out for us.

Christabel: I’m not ready yet. I still need time to train. There’s still time for improvement, so I can get to the Olympics and play well.

Conclusion

The Dasbaks are ambassadors for a sport that deserves more recognition in Nigeria. With Christabel rising fast and Charity continuing to train the next generation, their story is one of resilience, passion, and legacy.

Alli News looks forward to following their journey as they inspire a new wave of squash enthusiasts across the country.