Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) secretary-general,  Amaechi Akawo has disclosed that Nigeria would not participate in the Africa Junior Championships in Mozambique from July 24 to July 30.

Akawo said that the players, who would have represented the country, were engaged in the ongoing 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt.

He said that the period between the end of the Games and commencement of the championships was too short for any meaningful preparation.

“Nigeria will not be attending the Africa Junior Championships because most of the players are at the sports festival.
Besides, talents to be discovered at the Games still need to undergo thorough training,” Akawo said.

He added that most of the players in the junior team were representing their states at the biennial festival.

The secretary said the technical crew of the federation were in Port Harcourt to select talented players for grooming for future international tournaments.

Dep governor lauds Bayelsa kung-fu fighters

Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Mr Werinipre Seibarugu, has commended the state’s kung-fu fighters for their good outing at the ongoing 17th National Sports Festival.

Bayelsa has so far won five gold medals in kung-fu.

Addressing the athletes during a visit to the Games Village at the University of Port Harcourt, Seibarugu urged other athletes to emulate the fighters.

He noted that of the 10 gold medals won by the state so far, kung-fu contributed five.

The deputy governor said it was a clear demonstration of the never-say-die spirit of Bayelsa people.
“Government will ensure that outstanding athletes are rewarded,” he said.

Seibarugu urged the Bayelsa contingent to avoid acts that could tarnish the image of the state.