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How COVID-19 Impacted on The Growth of Teqball in Nigeria

Published

5 years ago

August 25, 2020

The outbreak of the novel corona virus also referred to as COVID-19 has hampered the growth of Teqball in Nigeria, no doubt.

Like every other sporting activity such as European Leagues, African and Nigerian leagues as well as the postponement of 2020 Olympics till 2021, Teqball in Nigeria and globally also had its own share of the adverse effect of the virus in the country and the world at large.

Undoubtedly, Teqball is a new sport in Nigeria and the stoppage of all sporting activities in the country in March, affected the plans and programmes the administrators of the sport had this year.

Speaking with Nigeria Teqball Federation (NIGTEQ) Media Department, Rivers State Teqball Association Chairman, Chukwuemeka Agi said the outbreak of COVID-19 slowed down their programmes for the year.

“It (COVID-19) has slowed it down. Actually, you can imagine something that has not fully started and then we have to delay to ensure that people understands and observe the health protocols like social distancing and hygienic living.”

“It has delayed us by a few months but I think that we can catch up. Right now, with the schools not being in session for the young ones, we can’t involve them in any of our activities.”

“Like any other sport or any human endeavour, for the past 5-6 months, everything has virtually changed completely, so, it has affected us.”

“We’ve had the table and the equipment since December, when we finished the training, but not long after, the Covid-19 threat and of course the country was shut down,” he explained.

Is the Rivers State Teqball Association giving up on its programmes for the year?

Dr Agi was emphatic in his response, “no, never, as I said, the virus delayed us but never stopped us. We were able to do one little demonstration in January. Last week we had another demonstration and we ensured that we got various football coaches in the field.”

“About 10 football coaches were there and then we got young people who have been playing football recreationally to get involved in this very one.”

“The hope we have of building awareness is through the coaches we have got on board right now and when the schools re-open dully, we will be going to schools to tell them what the game is all about, tell them how they can get involved, with that, they can develop themselves.”

He identified one major challenge facing the development of Teqball in the country to lack of adequate Teqball tables which he quite expensive.

“One of the limitations for us for now is that we have only one Teqball table in the state. Our hope is to use the table and take it from school to school. That way, we will introduce it to young people.

“A Teqball table cost between $1,000 to $3,000 excluding shipping for different tables designs and it is obvious the table is very expensive.”

The Nigeria Teqball Federation is expecting the delivery of 56 tables which will be distributed for the already established 21 State Associations across the country. The tables will facilitate the development of the sport in the country ahead of the forthcoming 2020 Challenger Cup scheduled for October.

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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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