Borno athletes absent from North-East zonal elimination games

Five out of the six states in Nigeria’s North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria have converged in Taraba State for the North-East zonal elimination games. 

The event, which is taking place at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, The Guardian gathered is in preparation for the upcoming National Youth Sports Festival, set to take place next month in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

At the time of filing this report, athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe have all arrived in Jalingo for the competition, with Borno State visibly absent.

 While no official reason has been provided for Borno’s non-participation, sources within the state have cited a lack of funds as the likely cause.

Despite athletes’ absence, from Borno,  athletes from the participating states are optimistic about their chances.

Some of them who spoke with our state correspondent expressed enthusiasm about representing their states at the Asaba 2024 games.

They emphasized the importance of fair play and impartial officiating throughout the events.

Overwhelmed by the massive turnout of athletes from the five states, Taraba State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Joseph Joshua, expressed his satisfaction with the way and manner the event is being orderly organized.

He assured that adequate security measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth and successful outing.
The commissioner also urged athletes to conduct themselves with discipline and adhere strictly to the rules surrounding the competition.

Aligning his weight to that of the commissioner, the State Director of Sports Council, George Shitta, credited the event’s success to the efforts of Governor Agbu Kefa and the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

The under-15 athletes, The Guardian learned are set to compete in nine different sports, with the hope of qualifying for the 8th Edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba 2024.