The Niger government says it will leverage on its new and upgraded sporting facilities to enhance it’s performance in the forthcoming National Youth Games (NYG) and the National Sports Festival (NSF).
Alhaji Baba Sheshi, Director of Sports, Ministry for Youth and Sports Development, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with in Minna.
Sheshi said that the state government recently purchased new sporting facilities, upgraded the existing ones, while others were at various stages of completion in the state capital.
He said that the measure was to boost sports development in the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the outgoing administration because it had invested in our sporting facilities.
“If you go to the 123 sports complex, the indoor hall had been renovated, while the complex had been fenced to secure the facility.
“The handball complex, which had been rehabilitated is being utilized for the training of handball, volleyball and basketball players.
“We also have a brand new badminton hall in Tunga sports complex.
“All these will enhance our performance at any competition, so we are going to take advantage of what we have to compete favorably when we go for competitions,” Sheshi said.
The director also said that the ongoing construction work at the new Bahago Sports Complex in Bosso has reached 90 per cent completion.
He averred that the facilities would enhance the quality of training and participation of athletes and other sports men and women in the state.
Sheshi, however, said that the state has started preparations for the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) and the 7th National Youth Games (NYG) coming up in Ogun and Delta in 2024.
He said that the coaches and management were working hard to ensure a successful outing for the state in the forthcoming games.
Shehi said: “Our coaches and athletes have started using the sporting facilities, so we are on the right track.
