Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Nigeria Teqball Federation has called for increased corporate sponsorship and private-sector investment to support the development of the sport in the country after five Nigerian entries secured qualification for the 2026 World Teqball Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The appeal comes as Nigeria prepares to compete on the international stage following the successful conclusion of the national qualifying tournament held in Aba, Abia State, from October 29 to 31.
The competition attracted athletes from 14 states, with winners in five categories earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the global championship scheduled for December 1–6, 2026.
The federation believes stronger financial and institutional support will be essential to sustaining the sport’s growth, improving athletes’ preparations and expanding participation across the country.
Federation appeals for greater private-sector investment
The call for sponsorship was made by the federation’s Head of Technical and Development, Abdul Bajeh, who highlighted the need for greater media visibility and financial support to sustain the sport’s expansion.
According to a report published by Savid News on November 3, Bajeh said the sport was gaining acceptance across Nigeria, with between 28 and 30 states now involved in its development.
He also pointed to the growing competitiveness of Nigerian athletes and the opportunities the sport has created for players to gain international exposure.
The sponsorship appeal reflects a wider challenge facing emerging sports in Nigeria, where limited funding and inadequate corporate backing can affect athletes’ preparation, competition opportunities and long-term development.
Five Nigerian entries secure Budapest qualification
The national qualifiers featured five competition categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
The winners secured qualification for the World Championships in Budapest.
Delta State emerged overall champion, finishing at the top of the medals table with three gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze.
Nigeria’s top-ranked Teqball player, Victor Oyemade, won the men’s singles title after defeating fellow Delta athlete Mikel Enebechukwu 12-8, 12-5.
Rejoice Jatau also secured the women’s singles gold for Delta, defeating Efemena Ekeke 12-8, 12-7.
The two Delta athletes subsequently combined to win the mixed doubles title, overcoming Abia State’s Ihiedioha McBlaise and Mariam Abdulrasheed 12-4, 12-10.
Abia State finished second overall with one gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
The host state secured the women’s doubles title through Aganmuyi Omokehinde and Mariam Abdulrasheed, who defeated Delta’s Efemena Ekeke and Miracle Edafe 12-10, 12-9.
Rivers State finished third with one gold and three bronze medals. Joshua Musa and Ikoko Andrew won the men’s doubles competition after defeating Abia’s Khalid Yahyah and Tobi Mejedji 8-12, 12-5, 12-9.
Lagos State also secured a bronze medal, marking a notable achievement following its debut participation.
These results confirmed the five category-winning entries that will represent Nigeria at the December championship. Savid News +1
Aba emerges as an important centre for Teqball development
The successful hosting of the qualifiers has further strengthened Abia State’s position in Nigeria’s developing Teqball landscape.
The competition took place at Aba Sports Club 1926, attracting approximately 80 athletes from 14 states. Thirteen referees also officiated during the tournament.
The federation’s Vice President, Ndudi Edede, speaking on behalf of President Habu Gumel, commended Governor Alex Otti for supporting the sport.
Edede highlighted Abia’s hosting of the National Teqball League in March 2026 and the World Championship qualifiers in October.
He also acknowledged the state’s provision of equipment to support the development of the game.
The federation’s leadership described the state’s involvement as an important contribution to expanding opportunities for Nigerian athletes.
Abdul Bajeh also highlighted the participation of young competitors, including 11-year-old Abia player Fareed Alebiosu, who reached the bronze-medal match, and a 14-year-old athlete from Rivers State.
The involvement of younger players points to the potential for Teqball to become an avenue for youth participation and talent development.
What is Teqball and why is it gaining attention?
Teqball is a sport that combines elements of football and table tennis. Players use different parts of their bodies, particularly their feet, head and chest, to return a football across a specially designed curved table.
The sport has developed an international following since its modern introduction in Hungary.
According to Reuters, Teqball took another step towards wider international recognition in September 2026 when it made its debut as a medal sport at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
The competition featured five title events, with Thailand winning three of them.
The International Teqball Federation has continued to pursue the sport’s international expansion, including its ambition to secure a place in the Olympic programme. Reuters
Nigeria’s involvement in the sport is also supported by an established national governing structure.
The International Federation of Teqball identifies the Nigeria Teqball Federation, established in 2019, as the organisation responsible for the development and organisation of major Teqball competitions in the country.
The Nigerian federation received recognition from the international body in June 2020, the Nigeria Olympic Committee in January 2021 and the National Sports Commission in November 2023. fiteq.org
Why corporate sponsorship matters
The federation’s appeal for sponsorship comes at a significant stage in the development of Nigerian Teqball.
With five entries qualified for a global competition, the country has an opportunity to strengthen its international presence and attract greater attention to a sport that remains relatively unfamiliar to many Nigerians.
Corporate sponsorship could help provide financial assistance for international travel, accommodation, training facilities, coaching, equipment and participation in future competitions.
It could also support grassroots programmes designed to introduce the sport to schools, communities and young athletes.
For businesses, supporting emerging sports offers opportunities to connect their brands with youth development, sporting excellence and community engagement.
However, sustainable growth will require more than financial contributions. Consistent national competitions, structured talent identification, professional coaching, media coverage and institutional support will also be important.
The federation’s appeal therefore highlights the need for a broader partnership involving corporate organisations, government institutions, sports administrators and the media.
Nigeria prepares for the World Championships
The five qualifying entries are expected to represent Nigeria at the 2026 World Teqball Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from December 1 to 6.
Their participation will provide an opportunity to compete against international opponents and measure the country’s progress in the sport.
For the Nigeria Teqball Federation, the immediate priority will be ensuring that the qualified athletes receive adequate preparation ahead of the competition.
The sponsorship appeal also places attention on the longer-term task of building a sustainable Teqball structure capable of supporting athletes beyond individual tournaments.
Nigeria’s performance in Budapest could provide further visibility for the sport, but continued investment will be important if the country is to translate its growing participation into sustained international competitiveness.
The federation’s message is clear: the development of Teqball in Nigeria will require stronger corporate involvement, wider public awareness and consistent support for athletes.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Savid News – Nigeria Teqball Federation hails Abia as five entries qualify for Budapest World Championships.
- Punch – Nigeria secure two World Teqball Championship spots.
- Sports247 Nigeria – Abia reinforces status as home of Teqball as Delta dominates World Championship qualifiers.
- Reuters – Olympic dreams flicker as Teqball awards first Asian Games medals.
- International Federation of Teqball (FITEQ) – Nigeria Teqball Federation profile.
