Could Nigeria Miss The 2023 World University Games?
Nigeria may not participate at this year’s World University Games due to a severe lack of funding, which could jeopardise the nation’s talented student athletes from competing in the world games in Chengdu, China.
Unless Corporate Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Sports come to Nigerian University Games Association’s (NUGA) rescue, the country may not compete at the prestigious event, scheduled to hold from July 28th – 8th August, 2023.
NUGA made a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) appeal to the Nigerian Government for a chance to represent the nation.
Dear President @officialABAT on behalf of Nigerian student athletes we appeal to your office to come to our aid and sponsor Nigerian students to the World University Games scheduled for Chengdu China this July. #TeamNGProud #SendTeamNGtoWUG #NigeriaDeservesRepresentation
— NUGA – Nigeria University Games Association (@NUGANigeria) June 27, 2023
“We have painstakingly chosen 75 exceptional student-athletes to compete across seven different sports at the World University Games,” a signed statement (NUGA) Acting Secretary General, Chidiebere Ezeani, read.
“These athletes have dedicated themselves to rigorous training and have showcased exceptional skills and talent, making us immensely proud. However, their dreams of competing at this international event are at risk owing to the scarcity of financial support.”
“We appeal to the government to come to our aid and support our athletes to the World University Games; we call upon the government, sports authorities and corporate sponsors to recognise the immense value of investing in university athletes. They are the future of Nigerian sports and their success will inspire generations to come,” NUGA said.
Ezeani described the World University Games as a platform that not only showcases sporting excellence, but also fosters cultural exchange and global camaraderie among student-athletes from around the world.
“It is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate our sporting prowess, enhance our international reputation, and inspire future generations of athletes,” NUGA added.
NUGA implored the government, sports authorities and corporate sponsors to step forward and provide the necessary financial support to ensure Nigeria’s participation at the World University Games.
With timely assistance, she said, “we can empower our talented athletes to represent our great nation with pride, resilience and determination.”
“By investing in their journey to Chengdu, we invest in the development of Nigerian sports and the inspiration of generations to come,” NUGA concluded.
