A total of 300 contingents from Nasarawa State are ready to participate at the 22nd National Sports Festival, beginning on May 16, in Ogun State.
Mr Yakubu Kwanta, the State’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, while briefing newsmen on Friday in Lafia, said all arrangement have been concluded towards a successful outing for the State at the events.
Kwanta explained that the state contingents comprised of 160 athletes, 36 coaches, 8 referees, 18 secretaries, 5 medical team members, 6 armed security personnel, and 6 unarmed security agents.
He said that the athletes had undergone rigorous training in preparation for the festival.
“The athletes will participate in 18 sports including Boxing, Weightlifting, Hockey (Female), Golf, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, Athletics, Scrabble, Chess, Dart, Trado-Sports (Dambe, Kokowa, and Abula), Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball (Female), Cycling, and Kung Fu,” he said.
The Commissioner also expressed confidence in the athletes’ abilities, saying, “I have no doubt in my mind that all our athletes are physically and mentally prepared to chase athletic excellence in Abeokuta and return with medals.”
The Commissioner also highlighted the state’s achievements in football, particularly the revival of Nasarawa United Football Club’s feeder team.
“When I came on board, Nasarawa United Football Club were last on the Table of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season and on the brink of relegation.
“We immediately set out modalities to change this ugly scenario; and today, I am proud to announce to you that Nasarawa United Football Club has not only escaped relegation but also would end the season comfortably and play Premier League Football next season,” he said.
Kwanta explained that trials are currently ongoing at the Lafia Township Stadium for the Nasarawa United Football Club feeder team, and young and talented individuals are encouraged to participate.
He further stated that the state’s premier female football team, Nasarawa Amazons, were on the verge of winning the 2024/25 Nigeria Women’s Premier Football League title.
The commissioner assured of the state government’s commitment to boosting grassroots sports development through the construction of mini-stadia across the three senatorial zones.
“This has the great potential to arrest and channel youth energy for productive venture and peace building as well as provide facility and tools for talent discovery and harnessing same for podium appearances,” he concluded.
