The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, on Wednesday urged relevant sports authorities to immediately shift focus to the 2027 African Games in Egypt.

Nigeria placed overall second at the just-concluded 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, with 121 medals comprising 47 gold, 34 silver and 40 bronze medals.

Mr Idike said in Abakaliki that improving on the country’s excellent performance in Accra should start immediately.

He said, “The exceptional sporting artistry and commitment displayed by the Nigerian contingent in Ghana should be improved upon for success at the next edition. The athletes’ performance will arouse the desire for excellence in the nation’s budding athletes to serve Nigeria with all their might.’’

He commended the sports minister, John Enoh, and all those who contributed to the contingent’s success, urging them to re-double their efforts in achieving more glory for the country.

Secretary of the Ebonyi Sports Council, Hillary Ogbonna, called on the federal and state governments to adequately reward the athletes for the desired motivation.

He said, “The Olympic Games is approaching and most of the athletes who excelled at the games will be competing with their counterparts around the world. They are therefore expected to replicate the zeal and candour exhibited at the African Games. Appreciating them for a job well done at the African Games will ensure improved performances at the Olympics.’’

A teacher and sports enthusiast, Chetachi Oleh, called for the sustenance of the grass-root development programmes which discovered most of the athletes on parade at the games.

She said, “Most of the athletes who excelled at the games were newly discovered and they proved that Nigeria truly has talents in abundance. I am particularly happy with the performances of the female athletes and I pray for improved performances at the Olympic Games and the next edition of the African Games.’’

(NAN)