Team Ogun athletes faced severe accommodation challenges in Asaba, Delta State, as the 2025 National Youth Games entered Day Two on Saturday, Completesports.com reports.
The frustrated contingent claimed they had been abandoned since their arrival, despite the inclement weather, with no proper accommodation, potable water, or basic necessities.
They appealed to the Ogun State Government, sports administrators, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and resolve their accommodation, water, and electricity problems.
“We Have Been Left To Sleep In The Open” – Team Ogun Officials
“It is with deep concern and disappointment that we bring to public attention the distressing situation faced by the athletes and officials representing Ogun State at the ongoing Youth Games in Delta State,” some of the athletes began, requesting anonymity for fear of victimisation.
“Since our arrival here on Thursday, the entire Ogun State contingent — including athletes, coaches, medical staff, and security personnel — have been left stranded without proper accommodation. To our greatest dismay, our representatives, who travelled long distances to proudly represent the State, have been forced to sleep outside in the open,” one of the officials lamented.
Team Ogun Calls For Accountability And Urgent Action
Another official added: “We acknowledge that Ogun State, as a government, is making efforts to support sports development. But it is unfortunate that officials directly in charge of logistics and welfare continue to fail in their duties.
“Their repeated lapses have left our athletes suffering unnecessary hardship. It is painful to ask: are we going to sleep outside again today? Must Ogun athletes and officials continue to go through this humiliation at every festival and national sporting event?”
They further urged that those responsible for the recurring lapses in logistics and planning be held accountable.
Athletes Demand Respect And Lasting Solutions
“Our athletes and officials deserve better treatment. They deserve to be celebrated, supported, and respected as they strive to make Ogun State proud on the national stage.
“Until deliberate and lasting solutions are put in place, the recurring humiliation of our athletes will continue to undermine their morale and discourage youth participation in sports — a vital sector for talent discovery, state pride, and national unity.
“We raise our voices not in anger, but in hope — that this message will spark urgent action and lasting change,” the statement concluded.
By Sab Osuji in Asaba