Abuja: The 2nd Inter-State Fives Unity Cup Championship concluded in Abuja with Kebbi State emerging as the overall champions. Kebbi State exhibited dominance by clinching all four trophies in the senior, intermediate, junior, and female categories.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tournament saw Katsina State finishing in second place with three medals, followed by Kaduna in third place with two medals. Host city Abuja secured the fourth position with one medal. The championship also featured special awards introduced by the Abuja Fives Club to honor the late Alh. Ismaila Funtua and the late Amb. Abubakar Udu.
Ahmed Abdullahi, known as Henry, from Katsina, was awarded the Best Player of the championship. Abubakar Abdullahi, popularly called Qalqal, from the Abuja Fives Club, received the Most Improved Player award. During the closing ceremony, the President of the Fives Federation, Abubakar Dangaladima, commended the tournament’s growth and organization. He highlighted the increasing quality of play and the spreading passion for the sport.
Dangaladima emphasized the Federation’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach across more states in the country. He articulated the goal of making Fives a national sport, celebrated beyond its traditional regions. Over the course of five days, a total of 23 matches were played, with winners receiving cash prizes and trophies.
Historically played in Northern Nigeria and popularized by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Fives is now garnering national interest. States like Delta, Bayelsa, Imo, Lagos, and Ogun have recently started embracing the sport. Muhammad Ladan, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, described the event as a significant success. He noted the strong participation, smooth logistics, and exciting matches, expressing pride in Abuja for hosting this growing competition. Ladan also extended gratitude to participating states, officials, and sponsors for supporting the unity and development goals of the championship.