TEQBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS ABIA 2024: DELTA AND ABIA DOMINATE

Eleven Nigerian states participated in the TEQball World Championship Qualifiers held at Aba Sports Club, Nigeria. Spectators and dignitaries were treated to a thrilling climax yesterday as Delta and Abia states emerged as the dominant forces.

Victor Ademoye Oyemade from Delta State secured the Men's Singles title, defeating Abia's Khalid Akorede in the finals. Delta also claimed the Men's Doubles crown, with Oyemade and Andrew Ikoko clinching victory over Abia’s Funsho Samson and Khalid Akorede.

Abia athletes shone in the Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles categories. Rashidat Bukola Salua claimed the Women's Singles title, while Salua partnered with Funsho Samson to win the Mixed Doubles. Ibinabo Alex Georgewill from Rivers State secured two podium finishes, winning the Women's Singles silver and the Women's Doubles gold alongside Gladys Alice Abasi.

Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti welcomed all attendees, especially the Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria, His Excellency Lorando Endreffy, who expressed his gratitude to the organizers for granting Abia State the hosting rights for the tournament and conveyed his readiness to host it again shortly.

Otti praised the athletes for their impressive display of grit, skills, and sportsmanship. He also emphasized the importance of participation over outcome, encouraging those without a medal to view the experience as a learning opportunity and urged them to proudly represent Nigeria in the upcoming global tournament.

Ambassador Lorando Endreffy expressed his delight at the quality of play exhibited by all participants. He appreciated the efforts of the Teqball Federation and Abia State in hosting such a remarkable event and assured Nigerians of Hungary’s continued support in the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria.

Ndudi Edede, Vice President of the Nigeria Teqball Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success. He thanked the organizing committee members who worked tirelessly to ensure the tournament's success. He praised the athletes for their passionate performance and assured everyone that the Federation is committed to advancing Teqball in Nigeria to greater heights.

Abia State Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba Nwadinma, expressed his gratitude to the Governor, the Hungarian Ambassador, the President of the Nigeria Teqball Federation, event organizers, and spectators and noted that the tournament reflects the Governor's vision and commitment to sports development in Abia State.

He also reiterated that his ministry, alongside His Excellency the Governor, is dedicated to turning Abia State into the leading sports destination and exporter of talent in Nigeria.