Fatodu: We’re ready for South-West zonal preliminaries

Lagos State has declared its readiness for the forthcoming National Youth Games’ South West zonal  preliminaries for the ball games, which began in Oshogbo, Osun State, yesterday and will end on September 1, 2024.

Officials of the state’s sports commission told The Guardian that Lagos is sending a formidable contingent of 188 athletes, both male and female, who are determined to secure one of the nine available slots for the national games.

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said his body has been meticulously screening and training the young athletes to ensure transparency and adherence to the competition’s age regulations.

Speaking on Lagos’ preparation for the games, Fatodu said: “Our selection process is a demonstration of excellence, and we are confident that our athletes will not only excel in Oshogbo, but will also bring home gold for Lagos.”

The state’s athletes have been rigorously preparing in various sports, including football, handball, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, rugby, abula, cricket, and hockey.

These sports will be contested by athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo states, with the winners advancing to represent the region at the National Games in Asaba.