Team Akwa Ibom’s rising star, Nwafor Havilah, has etched her name in the history books after storming into the final of the Fives event at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba.
Havilah secured her place in the gold medal match on Saturday, August 30, with a commanding 2-0 victory over her Kebbi State opponent in the semi-final, a feat that also guaranteed Akwa Ibom its first-ever medal in the event.
The achievement is particularly remarkable as this is Akwa Ibom’s debut participation in the Fives competition at the Games.
On her way to the final, Havilah displayed outstanding skill and determination, dispatching opponents from Kano, Borno, and Delta States before her decisive semi-final triumph.
Fives, sometimes referred to as hand-tennis, is an English handball sport with roots in jeu de paume. Closely related to handball, Basque pelota, and squash, the game is played on three- or four-sided courts in singles or doubles formats.
Havilah’s run to the final not only underlines her personal brilliance but also signals Akwa Ibom’s growing impact on the national sports scene.
With at least a silver medal already assured, the state is on course to record a historic breakthrough in its first appearance in the discipline.
The 2025 National Youth Games continues in Asaba, Delta State, with Team Akwa Ibom already turning heads with strong performances across different sports after just two days of competition.
