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14 Coaches, Players Participate in Rivers State Teqball Association Exhibition Games

Published

5 years ago

August 23, 2020

Joel Ajayi

No fewer than 14 persons made up of coaches and players participated in the Rivers State Teqball Association exhibition games held last week in the state’s capital, Port Harcourt.

According to the chairman, Rivers State Teqball Association, Dr Chukwuemeka Agi, he told Nigeria Teqball Federation Media Department that the competition was primarily aimed at creating awareness about the new but interesting style of football.

Mr. Agi who is a consultant with Rivers State University, expressed optimism that with enthusiasm shown by the participants, the beautiful game of Teqball is rapidly evolving in Nigeria.

“Last week we had exhibition games right here in Port Harcourt. It was a training programme we organised to create awareness about the beautiful game of Teqball in the state.”

“It was just an exhibition game to get a few persons who are quite adept at what the rules are and then how to play and then interchange positions.”

“We had 14 persons including coaches and few players who took part in the exercise and they were quite happy about it.

“You know that Teqball is a non-contact sport and we are creating awareness about this unique kind of football in the state” he said

He further spoke of plans of the Association to reach out to the Rivers State Government and Olympic Africa on the need for sponsorship and creation of more awareness about Teqball in the state.

“On Wednesday, however, we will be having a meeting of Directors of Olympic Africa, so that I’ll be able to talk and make our request and see if we can have some funds to increase our activities.

“I have written a letter I want to submit to the Rivers State Ministry of Sports intimating them of the benefits of having a Teqball table. If they buy into it, they can also get tables, that will help us increases the awareness.”

“So, what we need to do is with people like you journalists, there are journalists in Port Harcourt as well, our secretary is a journalist of course; but there were also journalists that were trying to get in to enable us publicise it as much as possible.”

“I think soon Teqball will catch up because it is quiet fun to play. We are doing our beats to ensure the growth of Teqball in the state and trusting God, the State Government, individuals and corporate entities, we will go a long way.”

“We are also considering other options with regards to acquiring tables as resources now are limited. The funds we use for this one we did, we made contributions by ourselves. We hope that when the university opens and Olympic Africa comes on, we can be able to get some funds.”

“Do not forget that sponsorship is key to every sport but we cannot be talking about sponsorship now when a large percentage of Nigerians are not aware of this unique but fascinating sport.”

“However, we are not leaving anything to chances, we are looking for corporate entities that can partner with us but as I said, the key issue now is awareness creation, letting the people know about the sport especially at the grassroots levels.” He added.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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