Hamsi Ibrahim, the Technical Director of the Fives Federation of Nigeria, has voiced his concerns about the future of the sport while celebrating the recent successes of Kano State’s Fives team at the ongoing National Youth Games.
The Kano State team, under Ibrahim’s guidance, has consistently performed well, winning medals last year and continuing their winning streak this year.
However, Ibrahim emphasized the need for better facilities to sustain and grow the sport, particularly in southern Nigeria.
“Fives is predominantly played in the northern part of Nigeria,” Ibrahim explained in an interview with Sports247. “In the southern states, it’s only in the last three or four years that we have started to introduce it. But these states lack the proper facilities for the sport.”
Currently, southern states such as Bayelsa, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, and Delta have minimal infrastructure to support Fives.
Ibrahim pointed out that using squash courts as makeshift Fives courts hampers the athletes’ ability to fully develop their skills.
“Squash courts are not proper Fives courts. The skills required are different, and playing on a squash court doesn’t allow athletes to perform to their full potential,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the Kano team continues to shine. Ibrahim praised the dedication and excitement of the players, noting their potential for a bright future in the sport.
“The boys are very excited when they are playing Fives. If we can get proper courts built in the southern states, the sky is the limit for the game,” he said.
Ibrahim is appealing to the southern states to invest in building at least two Fives courts each. He emphasized that the costs are relatively low and the benefits substantial.
“The more you build Fives courts, the more wonders you will see from the boys. It’s not very expensive, and we are willing to help build these courts,” he stated.
In the interim, Kano’s team continues to adapt and perform admirably, even on unsuitable courts. Their success at the National Youth Games is a testament to their skill and determination.
However, Ibrahim’s call for better facilities underscores a pressing need for investment in the sport to ensure its growth and sustainability across Nigeria.
As the National Youth Games progress, the Kano Fives team’s achievements highlight both their talent and the potential for the sport’s expansion, provided the necessary infrastructure is put in place.
