The North Central Zonal Elimination for team sports, ahead of the 2021 National Youth Games was concluded today in Ilorin, with Kwara state picking qualification tickets in cricket (male and female), football (male and female), volleyball (male) and rugby (male and female).
In the results signed by the Zonal Coordinator, North Central Zone, Mrs. Pitmang Deborah, and made available to the press, Benue state picked four representation slots, all in the female events, in basketball, handball, hockey and volleyball.
Niger state won in only two events, basketball and handball, in both male categories, while FCT won in both male and female Beach Volleyball contests.
Nasarawa won only a slot, in male hockey.
A total of 648 delegates from states of the North Central geo-political zone; host Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau states and FCT participated in the Zonal Elimination. Only Kogi state was absent from the zone.
Kwara fielded the highest contingent, 137, followed by Nasarawa (107), FCT (98), Niger (90) and Benue (85).
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji expressed satisfaction with the performance of the state’s athletes, adding that they will come out better in the Games proper.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the hosting and preparations of the state’s athletes for the Zonal Elimination, and for providing the enabling atmosphere, especially for Kwara team to excel.
The Director General of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Dr. Steve Olarinoye said that the state coming ahead of others in the Elimination is not by accident, but the result of the investment of the government in youth and sports development.
The 6th National Youth Games will hold at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State between October 10th to 19th, 2021.
