‘Invest In Future Talents’, Okagbare Tasks Nigeria’s Sports Ministry
The Oasis Reporters
August 4, 2018
Aloysius Okerieke, Asaba
Gold Medal Winning Nigerian girl, Blessing Okagbare Ighoteguonor has called on the Federal Ministry of Sports to invest in future talents that abound in the country if Nigeria was keen on remaining a major player in African Sports in particular and the world in general.
The sprint queen who had earlier inspired the Nigerian women 4×100 meters relay team to win gold at the ongoing 21st edition of the African senior Athletics Championship tagged Asaba 2018 said In a few years she would leave the stage and the nation may not have a strong contender in international circuits if things are not improved upon. She decried poor funding as the bane for the development of young, upcoming sports men and women stressing that athletes needed regular funding and competitions to be among the best in the world. She revealed that only few of the talented athletes get to make it to the international stage and most times it is through hardwork and dedication.
She however apologised again for failing to represent Nigeria in the 100 and 200 meters events stressing that she was nursing an injury and wouldn’t want to aggravate the situation.
She pledged her continued love for her fatherland and was willing to at all times don the nation’s colours.
She also commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for completing the Stephen Keshi Stadium asserting that he had left a legacy that would be remembered by generations yet unborn.
The former fastest woman in Africa also called on the young athletes in the state to avail themselves the opportunity of using the stadium asserting that the facility was of international standard.
