Due to the government’s unwillingness to provide funding, some athletes registered for the National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, have bemoaned their inability to travel.

The players complained about Idris Musa, the commissioner of youth and sports development, in an interview with OBASANJO NEWS24 on Thursday.

One of the sportsmen, who went by the name Arome, pleaded with Governor Yahaya Bello to act fast to save sports from complete extinction.

He encouraged the Governor to issue a directive for the quick release of funding so they may take part in the 7th NYG.

If Kogi State did not compete in this year’s competition, one of the coaches—who requested anonymity—told DAILY POST that they would run the risk of being barred from competing in future athletic events.

“I must commend Mr. Onipe Halli Obakachi, the director of sports in Kogi State. He has been working nonstop to make sure that money is released so that our athletes may compete. But as things stand right now, nothing has happened. The Commissioner for Youths and Sports is chasing shadows rather than leading the charge to guarantee that Kogi State is properly represented. “Hopefully, the government will still do something to allow Kogi State to travel for this event,” he remarked.

The commissioner was impossible to reach for comment since he didn’t pick up the phone or reply to texts.

Kogi State is expected to send 77 participants to the 10-day athletic event in Asaba.

The state will compete in a variety of sports, including judo, beach volleyball, badminton, cricket, boxing, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, shooting, and weightlifting.

The 7th iteration of the National Youth Games will take place from September 20–30, 2023, according to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.