The inaugural National Teqball League, sponsored by the Abia State Government and tagged “Aba 2026,” has successfully concluded in Abia State, with outstanding performances across multiple categories.
Team Abia delivered an impressive showing, as Khalid Yahaya and Funsho Saliu emerged champions in the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles events respectively. In the women’s category, Team Rivers’ Musa Joshua and Gladys Abasi secured victories in Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles, while Team Delta topped the Women’s Doubles event.
Speaking at the indoor hall of the Aba Sports Club on Saturday, the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sports development and continued support for sporting events.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Pastor Mrs. Jane Igwe, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support.
“I want to thank our sports loving governor, he has been a strong supporter of sports.
“Yesterday I was in our stadium for the closing ceremony of Handball. Every month we are having one good event going on. We want to thank him,” Sir Ananaba stated.
He also commended the athletes, coaches, referees, and all participants for contributing to the success of the tournament.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Teqball Federation, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, revealed plans to expand the competition internationally by attracting more countries in future editions.
“This is the first edition and we’re able to attract 18 states to attend the event. So subsequently, the second edition, we aspire to have more states and probably more countries,” he said.
He explained that Abia State was selected as host due to its security and leadership.
“because Abia at the moment seems to be the safest state in Nigeria, also we have a working governor that is sincere and purposeful in his leadership style, he’s top-notch.
“We presented our proposal, what we want and he believed in our project and he gave us approval and asked us to come here. So that’s why we came to Abia and we’re happy to be in Abia.
“The government (Abia) has already gotten commendation on the 16th of March 2026 from the International Federation of Teqball and is the first state in Nigeria to be commended by such an international body”.
Also speaking, the South East representative on the board of the Teqball Federation of Nigeria, Barr. Victoria Nlemigbo, described the tournament as more than just a competition, emphasizing its role in uniting players across the country.
“The National League Tournament was not just a competition. It was a showcase of skill, technique, agility, resilience and a beautiful game of Teqball, united us all across Nigeria.
“You (Governor Otti ) actually surprised us with this unprecedented extent of support.
“Your support and commitment to sports development in Abia state and Nigeria as a whole is a standard for your contemporaries to emulate”.
One of the gold medallists, Funsho Saliu of Team Abia, expressed his excitement after emerging victorious. He appreciated Governor Alex Otti, the chairman of the Teqball Association, and fellow athletes, while also revealing his ambition to take his career abroad.
Medalists
Men’s Singles:
- Funsho Saliu (Abia) – Gold
- Khalid Yahaya (Abia) – Silver
- Tobi Mejedi (Abia) – Bronze
Women’s Singles:
- Gladys Abasi (Rivers) – Gold
- Rejoice Jatau (Delta) – Silver
- Joy Enamino (Edo) – Bronze
Mixed Doubles:
- Musa Joshua / Gladys Abasi (Rivers) – Gold
- Cornelius Ezeigbo / Ashara Loris (Imo) – Silver
- Mikel Ebenechukwu / Rejoice Jatau (Delta) – Bronze
Women’s Doubles:
- Miracle Edafe / Efemwna Ekeke (Delta) – Gold
- Joy Enamino / Ashara Loris (Edo) – Silver
- Evans Ozioma / Chisolm Agu (Enugu) – Bronze
Men’s Doubles:
- Funsho Saliu / Khalid Yahaya (Abia) – Gold
- Mikel Ebenechukwu (Delta) / Sylvester Nortey (Ghana) – Silver
- Musa Joshua / Efosa Ebosa (Rivers) – Bronze
The maiden edition of the league not only highlighted the growing popularity of Teqball in Nigeria but also set a strong foundation for future national and international participation.
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