The Nigeria Teqball Federation has commended Abia State for its continued support and commitment to the development of the sport following the successful hosting of the 2026 World Championship Qualifiers in Aba.

The competition, held at Aba Sports Club 1926 from October 29 to 31, attracted athletes from 14 states, with the gold medal winners securing qualification for the World Teqball Championships scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, from December 1 to 6.

The federation's Vice President, Ndudi Edede, who spoke on behalf of President Habu Gumel, praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for providing an enabling environment for the growth of Teqball.

Edede noted that Abia hosted the National Teqball League in March and the World Championship Qualifiers, while also providing equipment to support the sport.

"It is therefore not out of place to say that Abia, presently, is home of Teqball in Nigeria," Edede said.

He attributed the growing acceptance of Teqball in the country partly to its connection with football, explaining that about 90 per cent of players are footballers.

"One thing that helped is that it is a good game and 90 per cent of the Teqball players are footballers," he said, while urging the qualified athletes to represent Nigeria creditably in Budapest.

Gumel described the competition as part of the federation's efforts to expand the sport's reach and create more international opportunities for Nigerian athletes. He also appreciated Aba Sports Club, under the leadership of its president, Chief Nkene Enukeme, for providing the venue.

The federation's Head of Technical and Development, Abdul Bajeh, disclosed that approximately 80 athletes registered across five categories, with 13 referees officiating during the competition.

Bajeh welcomed the participation of Lagos and Akwa Ibom States, highlighting Lagos' achievement of winning a bronze medal on its debut. He also praised the involvement of young athletes, including 11-year-old Abia player Fareed Alebiosu, who reached the bronze-medal match, and a 14-year-old competitor from Rivers State.

"The sport is growing rapidly, and it is very competitive. It has improved a whole lot. We have athletes who have travelled abroad through their involvement in Teqball," Bajeh said.

He added that between 28 and 30 states are now involved in the sport, while calling for increased media visibility and sponsorship. He also expressed hope that Teqball would eventually become a medal event at the National Sports Festival.

Delta State emerged overall champions with three gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

Nigeria's top-ranked player, Victor Oyemade, defeated Delta teammate Mikel Enebechukwu 12-8, 12-5 in the men's singles final, while Rejoice Jatau claimed the women's singles title with a 12-8, 12-7 victory over Efemena Ekeke.

Oyemade and Jatau subsequently combined to defeat Abia's Ihiedioha McBlaise and Mariam Abdulrasheed 12-4, 12-10 in the mixed doubles final.

Abia finished second on the medals table with one gold, two silver and one bronze. Aganmuyi Omokehinde and Mariam Abdulrasheed secured the women's doubles gold after beating Delta's Efemena Ekeke and Miracle Edafe 12-10, 12-9.

Rivers State placed third with one gold and three bronze medals. Joshua Musa and Ikoko Andrew won the men's doubles title, defeating Abia's Khalid Yahyah and Tobi Mejedji 8-12, 12-5, 12-9. Lagos also claimed a bronze medal.

The five gold-winning entries will represent Nigeria at the World Teqball Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in December.