Nigeria Wins 7 Gold Medals At Africa Youth Championships

The country’s representatives to the Africa Youth Championships in Morocco have  returned to Lagos with seven gold medals, three silver and two bronze.

   Out  of the seven gold medals, weightlifting had three, while the rest and the silver and bronze were shared by swimming, wrestling, tennis and athletics.

Boxing, Table tennis and Taekwondo did not win any medal because they were walked over due to the contingent’s late arrival in Morocco for the competition.

The event started on July 13 but the contingent departed the country on July 14 and reached the venue on July 15.

Those who spoke to Tide sports source urged the federal government to ensure early preparation and departure of athletes to competitions, not only to avoid being walked over but for enhanced performance.

The athletes described their experience at the tournament as frustrating.

Rachael Ekoshoria, a weightlifter, said they had no time to prepare before competing in the championships when they arrived at the venue, saying it affected their performance.

“We ought to be in Morocco at least three days before the competition begins so that we can settle down and familiarise ourselves with the environment and facilities,’’ she said.

Ekoshoria also complained of lack of supplements for athletes to use after training to replace lost energy and bring out the best in them.

Abba Adamu, a taekwondoist said he was walked over because of late arrival, adding that “the officials have finished with our category before we got there.

“The development left us without opportunity to participate in the competition.’’

He also complained of lack of modern facilities for them to prepare at home adding that “I have never seen or used the kind of facilities there; even the body protector is computerised.

“Although I did not participate but I gained exposure which will help me at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August and future tournaments.

“The NSC should as a matter of urgency update facilities for all sports so that Nigerian athletes can excel at international tournaments,’’ he added.