Team Abia has emerged champions in the Women’s Doubles category at the World Teqball Championship Qualifying Tournament, while Nigerian Teqball medallists, Victor Oyemade and Efemena Ekeke, secured gold medals in the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events respectively, earning qualification to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming World Teqball Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
The qualifying tournament, which concluded at the Aba Sports Club, Aba, featured thrilling encounters among participating states competing for slots at the international championship.
In the Women’s Doubles category, Abia State clinched the gold medal through its representatives, Aganmuyi Omokehinde and Mariam Abdulrasheed, while Team Delta’s pair of Efemena Ekeke and Miracle Edafe settled for silver.
Victor Oyemade dominated the Men’s Singles event to claim gold, while Efemena Ekeke also emerged victorious in the Women’s Singles category, securing gold and qualification for the global competition.
In the Men’s Doubles event, Rivers State took the top position, with Joshua Musa and Ikoko Andrew winning gold, while Abia’s Khalid Yahyah and Tobi Mejedi finished as runners-up to claim silver.
Team Delta also emerged winners in the Mixed Doubles category, as Nigerian Teqball medallist Victor Oyemade and Rejoice Jatau secured gold. Abia State, represented by Ihedioha Mcblaise and Mariam Abdulrasheed, finished second to win the silver medal.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Jane Maxwell Igwe, congratulated the athletes who emerged winners in the various categories.
Ananaba praised Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to the development of sports and youth empowerment in Abia State, noting that the administration’s support had positively impacted the Ministry.
“I want to thank His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for all that he has been doing for Ministry of Sports and Youth Development in Abia State.
“It has been a very, very wonderful time for us in the Ministry. His encouragement, his sponsorship, provision and all that he has been doing for us in the Ministry is showing that he is interested in the youth and youth development, youth empowerment” Sir Ananaba stated.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Teqball Federation, Engr. Habu Gumel, represented by the Federation’s Vice President and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr Ndudi Edede, described Abia State’s hosting of the competition as a major milestone in the growth and promotion of Teqball in Nigeria.
Gumel observed that Abia had distinguished itself as the only state to host the World Teqball Championship Qualifiers consecutively with the maiden edition of the National Teqball League, held in March 2026.
He further noted that Abia was also the only state that had procured and donated Teqball equipment to promote the development of the sport across the country.
“It is therefore not out of place to say that Abia, presently, is the home of Teqball in Nigeria,” he stated.
He called on other states to follow Governor Otti’s example in investing in sports development and youth empowerment, while appreciating the Abia State Government for providing the necessary support and conducive environment for the successful hosting of the championship.
The federation president also commended the 69th President of Aba Sports Club, Chief Nkene Enukeme, and members of the club’s management committee for providing a suitable venue for the competition.
According to him, the tournament offered an important opportunity to identify emerging talents, strengthen the country’s competitive structures and prepare Nigerian athletes for international engagements.
He urged the successful qualifiers to intensify their preparations ahead of the World Championship, while encouraging athletes who did not secure qualification to remain focused and committed to improving their performances.
“We encourage you to prepare diligently for the next stage. To those who did not qualify this time, do not be discouraged. Every competition is an opportunity to learn, improve and come back stronger.
“As we look forward to the World Tech Championship, let us continue to promote unity, friendship, fair play, excellence through sports,” Gumel stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, applauded Governor Otti for creating an enabling environment for sports development in the state.
He revealed that the present administration had inaugurated 35 sports associations, describing the initiative as a strategic effort to expand sporting opportunities and provide productive engagement for young people.
George urged youths in the state to take advantage of the growing popularity of Teqball and other sporting activities to discover, nurture and develop their talents.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Teqball Association, Mr Frank Chilagorom Nwachi, expressed gratitude to God for the successful conduct of the championship without injuries or major setbacks.
He also appreciated Governor Otti for his consistent support for sports development and youth empowerment in the state.
Nwachi congratulated the athletes who secured qualification for the World Championship, urging them to represent Nigeria proudly on the international stage. He described the competition as the beginning of greater opportunities for Teqball in Abia State.
The World Teqball Championship Qualifying Tournament attracted 14 states drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country, with 80 athletes, 14 coaches and 13 referees participating.
Lagos and Akwa Ibom States also made their debut appearances at the competition.
