Former Athletes’ Representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Charles Himah, has apologised to the chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, Bukola Olopade, over his comments on the disqualification of U.S.-based sprinter, Favour Ashe, from the 100m final of the event held at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Saturday.

Ashe, who was favoured to win the race, was disqualified for failing to comply with competition rules, including failure to report to the call room. The athlete also reported at the starter’s blocks with only one bib, instead of the two required by the rules.

“I am really very sorry for the role I played in the entire saga,” Himah told The Guardian at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Sunday.

“To be honest, I was really mad when Ashe was disqualified, but at that point, I didn’t know that Ashe ignored the call room. To tell the truth, there is no way I will speak ill about Olopade because he has been very kind to me and all the athletes. I am sorry for mentioning his name as the person that single-handedly disqualified Ashe,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, has commended the unwavering dedication and fighting spirit of Team Delta athletes and officials at the ongoing National Sports Festival.

Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta, Oborevwori praised the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence, despite facing stiff competition. He noted that Team Delta continues to exemplify the heart and discipline of true champions.

“Against all odds, our athletes and officials have displayed tremendous strength and character. The challenges may be many, but Team Delta is showing what it means to stand tall in the face of adversity. Their resilience, commitment, and unity are attributes that will surely set us apart when the final whistle blows,” Oborevwori said.

The Delta sports boss also praised the synergy between athletes, coaches, and support staff, attributing the team’s consistent top performance to the well-coordinated efforts of all stakeholders involved.

Oborevwori assured that the state government will continue to support the team to ensure a strong finish and maintain Delta State’s enviable status as a sporting powerhouse in Nigeria.

He called on all Delta indigenes to rally behind the team as they push for glory in the remaining days of the Games.