By Uzor Odigbo
After several setbacks ranging from withdrawal by proposed host state and certain participating athletes, the biennial event will go ahead from December 6 to 16 in Abuja.
The game was originally conceived as a “unifying tool” with the main purpose of promoting peace and cross-cultural affiliation in the country after the Civil War in 1970. The first edition was held in 1973 in Lagos.
The Federal Government took up the challenge to host the competition in Abuja after Cross River State’s abrupt withdrawal, the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, explained.
“The Federal Government realizing the collateral damage that the unending postponements of the festival portend for sports development in Nigeria accepted the resolution of the National Council of Sports to take over the hosting and organization of the games in 2018 with Abuja as the host city.”
The National Stadium will host the major events. However, the 60,000-capacity edifice isn’t in the best shape for such competition. It was reported that Fulani herdsmen were spotted inside the main bowl just three days to the official opening ceremony.
According to Dalung, over 8,000 participants will take part in the edition which is a new record. The minister also claimed that it would feature 37 sports an increase from 25 in the past.
Most fascilities in different venues are not in top shape and this might affect athletes performance at all levels.
