Team Rivers has secured a place at the 2026 World Teqball Championship in Budapest, Hungary, after clinching gold in the Men’s Doubles event at the national qualifiers in Abia State.
The Rivers Whales duo of Ikoko Andrew and Musa Joshua achieved the feat after defeating Khalid Yahyah and Tobi Mejedi of host state Abia in the Men’s Doubles final at the World Teqball Championship Qualifiers held at Aba Sports Club from October 29 to 31.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Rivers State Teqball Association (RIVTEQ), Viura Lezigha, the victory was described as a major achievement for the state, earning the duo qualification to represent Nigeria at the global championship scheduled for December 1 to 6 in Budapest.
Beyond the gold medal, Team Rivers also secured three bronze medals in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles events, further highlighting the state’s growing strength in the sport.
Speaking during the medal presentation, Chairman of RIVTEQ, Mr. Halim Adebola Zaccah, commended the athletes, their coach, Efe Mude Wealth, and the technical crew for their impressive performance.
Zaccah dedicated the team’s victory to the Rivers State Government and expressed satisfaction with the performance of some Rivers Whales U-15 athletes who made their debut at the competition.
He said the exposure and experience gained by the young athletes demonstrated the promising future of Teqball in Rivers State.
The association chairman also acknowledged the financial contributions of RIVTEQ Vice Chairman, Mr. Sunday Ehimen Agbonighale, and its Patron, Ambassador Paul Ngwaba, noting that their sustained support had helped position Rivers among the leading Teqball states in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Team Delta won three gold medals in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles events, while host state Abia claimed gold in the Women’s Doubles category.
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The qualifiers attracted 80 athletes, 14 coaches and 13 referees from 14 states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Lagos and Akwa Ibom states also made their debut appearances at the national competition.
The 2026 World Teqball Championship will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from December 1 to 6.
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