"Ebonyi would shock Nigerians at Edo 2021”—Sports Commissioner

The Ebonyi Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Charlse Akpuenika, has said that the state’s contingent to the National Sports Festival in Edo would shock Nigerians with unbelievable performances.

Akpuenika made the declaration in Abakaliki while speaking on the state’s chances at the festival.

The commissioner said that the about 144-man contingent had been adequately motivated despite the reduction in its strength due to the organiser’s decision on the number of participating athletes.

“The organisers and the Presidential Taskforce on COVID 19 decided to reduce the number of participants at the festival from 15, 000 to 8,000.

“The decision was that second placed teams at the respective zonal qualifiers would be dropped with only the winners of the various series participating at the festival.

“Ebonyi placed second in football (male), volleyball (female)and basketball (female) during the south east zonal elimination series in Owerri, Imo.

“This implies that we would not participate in these events at the festival but the contingent is fully motivated to do the state proud.

He regretted the reduction in the contingent's strength but noted that it would still excel in wrestling, cricket among other events.

“The male football team, for instance, drew with Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Calabar Rovers of Cross River during its preparations which showed that it was formidable.

“The contingent has promised to stun Nigerians and console their colleagues who were dropped as a result of the athletes’ reduction,” he said.

Akpuenika commended the state government for adequately motivating the contingent and assured that it would reciprocate the gesture with scintillating performances.

“The government has provided everything that the contingent needs to excel and we urge Ebonyi people to pray for its success.

“The contingent has duly complied with all stipulated COVID 19 regulations for the festival and is eager to translate its preparations into action.

 

 
“Ebonyi would shock Nigerians at Edo 2021”—Sports Commissioner

The Ebonyi Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Charlse Akpuenika, has said that the state’s contingent to the National Sports Festival in Edo would shock Nigerians with unbelievable performances.

Akpuenika made the declaration in Abakaliki while speaking on the state’s chances at the festival.

The commissioner said that the about 144-man contingent had been adequately motivated despite the reduction in its strength due to the organiser’s decision on the number of participating athletes.

“The organisers and the Presidential Taskforce on COVID 19 decided to reduce the number of participants at the festival from 15, 000 to 8,000.

“The decision was that second placed teams at the respective zonal qualifiers would be dropped with only the winners of the various series participating at the festival.

“Ebonyi placed second in football (male), volleyball (female)and basketball (female) during the south east zonal elimination series in Owerri, Imo.

“This implies that we would not participate in these events at the festival but the contingent is fully motivated to do the state proud.

He regretted the reduction in the contingent's strength but noted that it would still excel in wrestling, cricket among other events.

“The male football team, for instance, drew with Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Calabar Rovers of Cross River during its preparations which showed that it was formidable.

“The contingent has promised to stun Nigerians and console their colleagues who were dropped as a result of the athletes’ reduction,” he said.

Akpuenika commended the state government for adequately motivating the contingent and assured that it would reciprocate the gesture with scintillating performances.

“The government has provided everything that the contingent needs to excel and we urge Ebonyi people to pray for its success.

“The contingent has duly complied with all stipulated COVID 19 regulations for the festival and is eager to translate its preparations into action.