Delta 2022: Team Abia, Enugu, well kitted but frustrating results

Ihunaegbo: “During my time, such kits were rare, but I know how motivating it used to be if anyone donates such things to us during Competitions.It goes a long way towards encouraging Athletes to strive for good results.”

By Uzor Odigbo

As the 2022 edition of National Sports Festival in Asaba Delta State winds up today, some states are frustrated that despite kitting Athletes well, poor results was the norm.

States like Enugu and Abia were lucky to have kits, T-shirts donated by an ex-athlete Raphael Ihunaegbo base in Canada, but couldn’t reciprocate the gesture with good results.

Ihunaegbo said he provided the kits to motivate Athletic Teams from the two states to give them alternative outlook as they compete with other states at the Festival.

“During my time, such things were not provided, but I know how motivating it used to be if anyone donates such kits to us during Competitions. It goes a long way to encouraging Athletes to strive for good results,” he said.

Ihunaegbo who majored in 400m in his active days expressed sadness and appeared uncomfortable with the Enugu state placing 23rd on the medals Table and said, “it shows a mark of unseriousness from government and it’s agencies in preparing the state contingent adequately for the Festival.”

He said all effort would be made to improve on any shortcoming Athletes may have suffered during the festival.

“The T-shirts I donated was part of my contributions to make Team Abia and Team Enugu go for gold at the Festival unfortunately, Team Abia tried but Team Enugu ended in a position that was very unexpected.”

As at Friday night, Team Abia and Enugu States are placing 9th and 23rd position respectfully on the medals table.

The Delta 2022 National Sports Festival ends today in Asaba with the host state on the verge of winning the Games.