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By Oscar Okhifo
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji, has expressed concerns over the huge challenges posed to athletes by the dispersed nature of sporting venues at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” currently taking place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In an interview with journalists at the Alake Sports Centre, Coach Mogaji acknowledged the efforts of the host state in revamping and upgrading its sporting facilities. He However, emphasized that the wide geographical spread of event locations across the state was creating logistical nightmares for both the athletes and officials.
Events at the Games are being hosted across multiple distant venues, including Babcock University, Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, and the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. This arrangement, Mogaji noted, has led to challenges in coordination, transportation delays, and increased fatigue are among the factors that can undermine the competitive performance of athletes.
Despite these setbacks, Team Kwara has recorded its first medal (Silver) at the festival. Thanks to the efforts of Sidiq Bolaji Sodiq, who competed in the Wushu Kungfu (Nanquan) category.
Mogaji attributed the success to the unwavering support of the Kwara State Government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“The Medal is a direct result of the Governor’s foresight and investment in our athletes.” Mogaji said, acknowledging the administration’s proactive steps, including funding the Wushu team’s participation in pre-Games competitions that enhanced their preparedness.
He further emphasized that Kwara State remains committed to improving its performance at the national level and is determined to surpass its previous medal records.
According to Mogaji, the athletes are maintaining their focus and motivation despite the setbacks.
“Our target is very clear.” He said. “We want to do better than we did at the last edition. The athletes are determined and motivated. We are going to do everything to support them.” He concluded.
The National Sports Festival, often regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, continues in Ogun State after a grand opening. The festival is designed to showcase the country’s sporting talents while also highlighting infrastructural and organizational challenges that require urgent attention.