NUGA to present 100 athletes at China 2023 World Universities Games

With about 100 days to go before the opening events of the World University Games, which will hold from July 27 to August 8 in Chengdu, China, Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) has revealed that it is working hard to prepare its best 100 athletes for the competition.

NUGA’s Acting Secretary General, Chidiebere Ezeani, who spoke in Abuja, yesterday, said the Games present opportunity for Nigerian students to showcase talents on a global stage and bring glory to the nation.

The World University Games, also known as the Universiade, is a multi-sport event that holds every two years, bringing together student-athletes from around the world to compete for honours in a variety of sports.

The 2023 event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from 170 countries.

According to Chief Marketing Officer, Red Saphire Services, Ono Akpe, the marketing outfit hired by the Committee of Vice Chancellors to scout for sponsors for the Nigerian delegation to China, it would be honourable to have Nigeria fully represented in Chengdu.

Akpe, who explained the need to have Nigeria’s flag hoisted in China throughout the duration of the event, said, “Nigeria has a proud sporting heritage and has produced world-class athletes in various disciplines such as football, athletics, basketball and table tennis, among others. With three months left to the start of the Games, NUGA and university leaders are working tirelessly to select the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the event.

“To achieve this, rigorous training programmes and trials are being conducted to identify potential athletes, who will fly Nigeria’s flag and win medals.

“Nigeria is expected to compete for honours in seven disciplines, including track and field, swimming, badminton, judo, Taekwondo, Table Tennis and Tennis.

“The selection process is highly competitive, with only the best athletes expected to make the cut. Those who will eventually make it would be given opportunity to compete against the best student-athletes from around the world.

The hope is that Nigeria will not only participate, but will also excel at the 2023 World University Games, bringing pride and joy to the nation.”

Ezeani appealed to the government, sports authorities, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support the teams, as they represent Nigeria with honour, dignity, and sportsmanship.