Uneasy calm as Benue athletes miss Gateway Games opening ceremony
Sports enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the late arrival of Benue State contingents to national sporting events, including the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF). The event tagged “Gateway Games,” began on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Observers, including Benue indigenes present at the venue, were said to have lamented the poor timing of the […]
the flag bearer attached to team benue marches alone during the opening ceremony of the 2024 national sports festival at the mko abiola sports complex, abeokuta
Sports enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the late arrival of Benue State contingents to national sporting events, including the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF).
The event tagged “Gateway Games,” began on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Observers, including Benue indigenes present at the venue, were said to have lamented the poor timing of the state’s delegation.
Our correspondent gathered that Benue was not formally acknowledged during the opening ceremony’s march past, as their flag bearer was forced to blend into the Team Zamfara lineup due to the state’s delayed arrival.
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It was learnt that registration officers, some of whom are from Benue, noted the situation was not new.
They cited similar delays at past events such as the NSF and the National Youth Games (NYG), both held in Asaba, where Benue contingents also arrived late.
Some fans have questioned why a state with abundant sporting talent consistently fails to prioritise early preparation and timely participation in national competitions.
The Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Benue State Chapter, Hembadoon Orsar, therefore, called on the Benue State Government to urgently address the recurring issue to ensure better representation and performance in future events.
Despite the setbacks, Orsar commended the athletes for their dedication and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in representing their state.
Meanwhile, a top official of the state Ministry of Sports, who craved anonymity, said there is a clear distinction between late arrival and absence at an event.
“The story is a mischievous one by enemies of progress. Benue is fully represented. The fact is that our contingents arrived late but they are in high spirits,” he said.