Nigeria’s fast-rising recreational sport, Catchball, is set to gain national visibility as Nigerian Catchball Federation President, Engineer Bola Babarinde, has unveiled plans to introduce the sport at the upcoming National Sports Festival scheduled to be hosted by Enugu State.
Babarinde explained during an interview session on Sports Track that although Catchball is still in its formative phase in Nigeria, it will be introduced as an exhibition and “experience game” rather than a medal event. “We may not be able to compete yet, but the game will be there,” he said, noting that the goal is to give athletes, administrators, and spectators a first-hand experience and familiarity with the sport. He added that continuous support from the National Sports Commission has been critical, with the director general expressing support for the planned showcase.
However, he also disclosed that the road to national recognition has not been straightforward. Babarinde characterised the process as “tasking”, highlighting the administrative hurdles involved in getting a new sport accepted within Nigeria’s sporting structure. He stated that after returning from South Africa, where he spent over two decades, he began engaging authorities in Abuja and worked toward securing formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
During the course of the interview, it was ascertained that the central pillar of the federation’s development strategy is Lagos State, which Babarinde expressed hopes to position as the “power state” for Catchball. He emphasised the importance of local institutional support and the state’s sporting culture in driving adoption and visibility.
Already, the sport is gaining early traction. Functional clubs have been established in Mushin, Lagos, and within the University of Ibadan, with expansion plans underway in Abuja as revealed by the federation president.
Based on the rules and techniques of the sports, Babarinde and Naomi Nnaji, an active player of the sports, pointed out that Catchball offers a distinctive hybrid style that blends elements of volleyball, basketball, and netball. Unlike volleyball, players are required to catch the ball before throwing it, creating a more controlled and strategic flow of play. They noted that the game operates on a strict “three-three” rule, where teams are limited to three passes and players cannot take more than three steps while holding the ball.
Beyond its mechanics, the sport is being promoted for its social value. Babarinde stressed that Catchball is currently structured as a female-only sport, designed to provide a safe and supportive environment. According to him, it serves as a positive outlet “to prevent [girls] from going wayward” while encouraging discipline and teamwork.
Its inclusivity also stands out. With no age restriction, the sport accommodates participants across generations. Babarinde noted that even a 70-year-old can take part for recreation and stress relief, reinforcing its appeal as a lifelong activity. “We believe soon it is going to be a household name in Nigeria,” he concluded, expressing optimism that its planned debut in Enugu could mark a major step toward national recognition.
