The President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida has tasked all the athletes and officials participating in the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta, to give their best performances at the games.
Kida, in a message to the athletes and officials, also advised them to eschew the win-at-all costs syndrome that might push them into taking performance enhancing drugs, as well as, cheating during the games.
“I want to charge all athletes and officials representing the various states at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Asaba, to put in their very best performances. This is our own Olympic Games, and it is also another opportunity for them to shine and get national recognition ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“As athletes you should also avoid taking performance enhancing drugs. It is dangerous to your health and career. You might win today with it. But it might fail you, as you’d get caught on the day of glory.
“I also want to plead with all States sports administrators and officials, not to encourage drugs and cheating by their athletes, as these acts are inimical to the development of the athletes and sports. It also negates the ideals of the sports festival,” the amiable sports administrator admonishes.
The NBBF boss went on to praise the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for encouraging the host state, while also thanking Delta State Government for hosting the sports festival and providing the enabling environment ans facilities for the athletes to showcase their talents for their personal benefits and the betterment of sports in Nigeria.
