The maiden edition of the National Teqball League, proudly sponsored by the Abia State Government and tagged “Aba 2026,” has successfully concluded, with Team Abia delivering an outstanding performance on home soil.
Kahleed Yahaya and Funsho Sampson led the host team to glory, clinching top honours in the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles categories respectively. In the women’s events, Musa Joshua and Gladys Abasi of Team Rivers emerged champions in the Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles, while Team Delta secured victory in the Women’s Doubles category.
Speaking on Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Aba Sports Club, the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to sports development and the hosting of major sporting events.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pastor Mrs Jane Igwe, the Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his consistent support for sports in the state.
“I want to thank our sports-loving Governor, who has remained a strong pillar of support for sporting activities in Abia. Just yesterday, I attended the closing ceremony of a handball event at the stadium. Every month, we are witnessing impactful sporting programmes across the state,” he said.
He further commended the athletes, coaches, referees, and all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the tournament.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Teqball Federation, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, disclosed plans to elevate the competition to international status by attracting foreign participants in subsequent editions.
Represented by the Federation’s Vice President and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for “ABIA 2026,” Ndudi Edede, Gumel noted that the inaugural edition successfully drew participation from 18 states across Nigeria, with expectations of broader participation in future.
“This is the first edition, and we recorded participation from 18 states. In the next edition, we aim to attract even more states and possibly international teams,” he stated.
He explained that Abia was selected as host due to its reputation for safety and purposeful leadership, commending Governor Otti for his visionary approach and support for the project.
“We chose Abia because it is currently one of the safest states in Nigeria, with a Governor who is sincere, proactive, and result-driven. He believed in our vision and granted us the approval to host this historic event here,” he added.
Edede further revealed that Abia State had already received commendation from the International Teqball Federation on March 16, 2026, making it the first state in Nigeria to earn such recognition.
In her remarks, the South East representative on the board of the Teqball Federation of Nigeria, Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo, described the tournament as more than just a competition, but a celebration of unity, skill, and sportsmanship.
“The National League was not merely a contest; it showcased technique, agility, resilience, and the unifying power of Teqball across Nigeria,” she said, while applauding Governor Otti’s exceptional support for sports development.
One of Team Abia’s gold medallists, Kahleed Yahaya, expressed excitement over his victory and gratitude to the state government, the Teqball Association, and his teammates. He also revealed his ambition to pursue international opportunities in his Teqball career.
The successful hosting of the inaugural National Teqball League further reinforces Abia State’s growing reputation as a hub for sporting excellence in Nigeria.
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