Sports is a form of entertainment that unites people across the community. When you see people rooting for their team, there is an essence of unity and happiness.

Similarly, whenever there is loss involved - people come together and console each other (barring some angry fans).

The Nigerian community is built on traditional sports. People used to come together as a community and play with their neighbours and friends. Now, you won’t see traditional sports as a common entity in society as football has taken over most of the youth these days. But, here are 4 Nigerian Traditional Sports that you should know about!

Abula

Abula is almost similar to volleyball but you don’t need to use your hands in order to hit the ball. All 8 players (16 total) have wooden bats (or planks) with them that they use to hit the ball.

In the end, you count the score of both teams and the ones that hit the most rounds win. Abula was very common in small towns as you can find wood anywhere to make yourself a plank. And the rules are very simple. You just have to hit. People used to make their own playgrounds with some chalk and play in their neighbourhoods in South Africa.

Ayo

Ayo is a board game that features 2 players in a game that requires your utmost attention. There are twelve holes in the board (6 on each side) containing seeds.

You need to collect more seeds than your opponent in order to win the game. Board games like Ayo are more common in older people they spend their time talking with their friends and engaging in such games.

The rules of the game are simple, so anyone can get the hang of it after some practice. But, you need to be swift with your moves so you can get an upper hand on your opponent.

Dambe

Dambe is considered one of the most difficult traditional Nigerian games. As the players require a lot of strength and practice to play it.

Two players come in a face-off (in a sand-filled circle) and have one of their fists wrapped with a rope. Now, whenever a player steps out of the circle - they are immediately disqualified.

Dambe is really popular in Nigeria and the government is doing its best to preserve the tradition. To do so, there have been many events organized that engage people and create awareness among the youth about their cultural roots.

Kokawa

Kokawa has a very interesting backstory. Back in the day - Nigerians used to organize kokawa and men used to fight against each other. And the winner would get permission to marry.

It's because the game involves a lot of strength (wrestling) and the older generation used to say that only the stronger men have the right to marry.
Now, the sport is not played to get married but for other reasons.

Takeaway

Sports are an easy way to unite a community. On top of this, many traditional sports have interesting backstories. For example, kokawa was played to check who is fit for marriage and who is not.

Now, you rarely see the youth engaging in traditional sports as they are influenced by the charm of football or basketball.

But, in order to drive the local commute together - there should be an effort by the government and the civil society to organize events that provide a platform for people to engage in sports that are a way to stay connected to their roots.