The Northeast Zonal Team Sports Competition has commenced in Damaturu, Yobe State, as part of preparations for the final selection of athletes for this year’s National Sports Festival holding in May in Ogun State.
Declaring the event open, Governor Mai Mala Buni urged all athletes to compete fairly, assuring them that the state has taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed M. Balumi, Governor Buni emphasized his administration’s commitment to the development and welfare of athletes.
He also encouraged participants to embrace the hospitality of Yobe State while assuring them of their safety throughout the competition.
The Zonal Coordinator of Sports at the National Sports Commission, Okey Emmanuel, described the event as Nigeria’s equivalent of the Olympics, underscoring the importance of selecting only the best athletes for the festival.
“This competition is like Nigeria’s Olympics, and only the best of the best will be selected. I urge all athletes to play by the rules and make their respective states proud,” he stated.
The zonal elimination tournament, which will run for four days, features athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
He commended the Yobe State Government for hosting the event while urging journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession.
The team games featuring in the zonal elimination are football, hockey, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, handball, cricket and Abula.
