The Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria says preparations are in top gear to stage a hitch-free second edition of Traditional Sports National Open Championship.
The National Open Championship which will feature five African sports; Ayo, Dambe, Abula, Langa and Kokowa will take place from August 14 to 16, 2023 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the national open championship, President of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria, Honourable Olomo Agbadabina, said the federation is working day and night to ensure a hitch free championship.
“We have the national championship for traditional sports featuring Langa, Dambe, Ayo, Kokowa and Abula starting on Monday (August 14). The Federation is ready to stage a befitting championship. We have set the stage and I can tell you that the security is on ground, the medical team is on ground and I can assure you that the championship will be successful.”
Honourable Agbadabina further stated that the objective of the championship is to promote the development of the game in Nigeria.
“Among other things, it is expected that we create awareness for the developmental promotion of traditional sports at the grass-root level.
“We are also using the championship to prepare our athletes for the upcoming ECOWAS Traditional Wresting. I sincerely believe that traditional sports will become a household name in Nigeria soon.”
Poor funding has been the ultimate challenge militating against the development of sports in Nigeria and Agbadabina is seeking the support of well-meaning Nigerians to support traditional sports in the country.
“Our main challenge is funding and I am using the medium to appeal to government and corporate organisations to help fund some of our programs.”
It will be recalled that Nigeria came third in the last ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Championship which took place in Niamey, Niger Republic.
