A total of 14,000 athletes are expected to compete at the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, Delta State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mohammed Manga, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development on Monday.

Manga quoted the ministry’s minister, Sunday Dare, as saying that he was optimistic that the competition will expose a new set of athletes that will compete favourably with their counterparts globally.

“I am optimistic that at the end of the competition, budding talents will emerge and the country will witness more podium performances through them in subsequent global competitions,” he said.

The minister also commended the Delta government for its dogged determination towards ensuring the reality of the 21st NSF.

While stressing that the games will also help in strengthening the unity of Nigerians, Dare called on participating states to go all out for medals.

Dare called on all sports loving Nigerians to create time to grace the festival, saying that the National Sports Festival is the “Nigerian Olympics”.

The 36 states and the FCT will be competing in over 30 different sports in the Festival beginning from Monday to December 10.

(NAN)