By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Ahead of today’s commencement of Track and Field events at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, coaches of some of the teams were seen on Monday, putting finishing touches to the training routines of their athletes, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, in Asaba.
Reporters covering the fiesta, who were at the stadium yesterday sighted some athletes, mainly from Edo and Niger states applying finishing touches to their drills, in readiness of the crowd pulling events.
Some of them who spoke to Sports Day, said they have benefited immensely from their workout sessions; and are upbeat that they are in good shape to deliver podium performances for themselves, and their respective states.
One of the athletes, Abubakar Rabiu from Niger State, winner of the 800 metres race in the last edition, said he was ready to defend the title, as nothing else would do.
Likewise, other athletes who spoke to Sports Day expressed their readiness to compete in the sprints, quarter-mile, and 800 metres races, as well as field events (jumps).
Head Coach of Team Edo track and field, Abdul Wasiu Mustapha also expressed optimism that his athletes have prepared well, and are ready to write their names in gold .
Edo State are in Asaba with 28 athletes for field and track events, and the Coach said he is expecting at least ten gold medals, from them.
Coach Wasiu thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission Mrs. Sabina Chikere, for giving the athletes and technical officials all the financial and moral support needed, for them to emerge overall winners of the 9th edition of the National Youth Games.
