With just three days to the commencement of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria, the Niger State contingent is yet to enter closed camp.
The National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It serves as a key platform for discovering talents who go on to represent the country at international competitions.
A stakeholder in Niger State’s sports sector, Suleiman Isah, disclosed this to journalists on Monday. He expressed concern that the state’s athletes may once again struggle to make a meaningful impact at the festival.
According to Isah, this recurring issue of late preparations has characterized Niger State’s participation in recent editions of the festival. He called on the state government to urgently intervene, warning that continued neglect would negatively affect sports development in the state.
An investigation revealed that the State Ministry of Sports has written to the Niger State Government requesting the release of necessary funds. However, as of press time, there had been no official response from the government.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Sports Development, Nuhu Ngaski, said he was unaware of the current situation as he had travelled out of Minna. Nonetheless, he assured that the government remained committed and would act accordingly.
Ngaski added that before his departure, he had put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure the state’s participation in the festival.
At the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State in December 2022, Niger State athletes won a total of 14 medals , 3 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze finishing 19th on the overall medals table.