From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The inaugural National Interstates Open Fives Championship, organized by the Fives Federation of Nigeria, concluded with Katsina State claiming the most titles in the competition.
Kano State’s female team emerged as the overall champions in the women’s category.
The championship, the first of its kind, was successfully hosted by Sokoto State in collaboration with the Fives Federation of Nigeria from January 1st to 4th, 2025.
Katsina State players, who are also the reigning champions of the prestigious National Sardauna Cup held in Kaduna, demonstrated their exceptional sporting prowess by clinching the tournament’s top honor.
Ahmad Abdu, popularly known as “Henry,” and Salisu Baso, also known as “Babale,” from Katsina State, defeated the pair of Gambo Muhammad and Shafiu Osundu in the finals to secure the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₦200,000.
Additionally, Katsina dominated other categories, winning second place in the intermediate category and third place in the junior category, earning cash prizes of ₦75,000 and ₦30,000, respectively.
The President of the Fives Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Dangaladima Tukuran Gwandu, Barden Arewan Katsina, explained that Sokoto was chosen as the host to revive the game of Fives in the state. He also revealed that the Federation collaborated with the Eton Fives Association in England, which donated the Junior Category Cup, ultimately won by Sokoto, the host state.
In other categories:
- Kebbi State secured third place in the senior category.
- Kano State claimed third place in the intermediate category.
- Kebbi State took second place in the junior category.
In the women’s competition, Kano State’s female Fives team triumphed over Kebbi State to win the trophy and a cash prize of ₦50,000, while the runners-up received ₦30,000.
Special awards included:
- Best Player: Suleiman Sokoto, awarded ₦30,000.
- Best Referee: Kabir Aliyu Bulu from Katsina State.
The final ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including the representative of the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Engr. Mustapha Muhammad. The Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, also attended. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, was represented by Dan Iyan Sokoto, Alhaji Tukur Bala.
Salisu Lawal Kerau, representing the Chairman of the Katsina State Fives Association, Mannir Ibrahim Talba, led the Katsina State delegation to the event.
