The maiden edition of the Gateway Snooker Tournament, founded and convened by Afolabi Roseline Bolanle, popularly known as Ruby, has been hailed as a landmark sporting event in Nigeria, attracting unprecedented participation and nationwide attention.
Addressing journalists on Friday at the Press Centre, Iwe-Iroyin, Abeokuta, Ruby highlighted the achievements of the inaugural competition and unveiled plans to expand the tournament into a major Africa-wide event.
The three-day tournament, held earlier in December, drew 32 of Nigeria’s finest snooker players, including Guinness World Record breaker, Shehu Abana, alongside several top-ranked national players. The venue was filled to capacity with over 1,500 spectators from across the country, turning the event into a national spectacle and demonstrating the rising popularity of snooker in the region.
Ruby described the competition as “truly remarkable,” noting that from the opening break to the final shot, the passion, energy and crowd engagement signaled a new era for snooker in Nigeria. She expressed pride at how the event has already earned a respected place within the snooker community.
She extended appreciation to sponsors, players, volunteers and the media, acknowledging their commitment, dedication and tireless efforts, which she said made the debut edition exceptional.
Looking ahead, Ruby appealed to the Ogun State Government to partner in future editions of the tournament, particularly in improving facilities, encouraging youth training, attracting international players and strengthening the state’s reputation through sports development.
“This project is more than entertainment — it is a developmental initiative,” she stressed.
She revealed that the next edition will feature an enhanced competition structure, wider sponsorship opportunities, improved production quality, a larger pool of professional players and expanded visibility across Africa.
With its strong debut and ambitious expansion plans, the Gateway Snooker Tournament is now positioned as a rising African snooker brand, poised to bring greater recognition to Ogun State and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global snooker community.
