Northeast zonal team sports competition kicks off in Yobe

The Northeast zonal team sports competition has commenced in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state, as part of preparations for the final selection of athletes for 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF).

Declaring the event open, Governor Mai Mala Buni urged all athletes to compete fairly, assuring them that the state has put in place all necessary measures for a smooth and successful tournament.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports development, Mohammed M. Balumi, Governor Buni emphasised his administration’s commitment to the development and welfare of athletes.

He also encouraged participants to embrace the hospitality of Yobe state while assuring them of their safety throughout the competition.

The zonal coordinator of Sports at the National Sports Commission, Mr. Okey Emmanuel, described the event as Nigeria’s equivalent of the Olympics, underscoring the importance of selecting only the best athletes for the festival.

“This competition is like Nigeria’s Olympics, and only the best of the best will be selected. I urge all athletes to play by the rules and make their respective states proud,” he stated.

The Chairman Yobe State Sports Writers Association, Mr. Duku Joel, acknowledged the role of the sports writers in the development of sports across the state and across the country.

He commended Yobe state government for hosting the event, while urging journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession.

The zonal elimination tournament, which will run for four days, features athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe,Taraba and Yobe states.

The team games to competed for are football, hockey, valley ball, handball, basketball and cricket respectively.