Lagos State sports officials, coaches, competitors and supporters are still relishing their second-place finish on the final medals table at the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba.
The Centre of Excellence placed second with 26 gold, 20 silver and 19 bronze medals; behind hosts Delta, who garnered 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze.
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While reacting to the achievement, one of the lads who got a gold and a silver for Lagos State in para-athletics, David Akinade told Sports247 that he is already thinking of representing Nigeria in the near future.
The youngster, who dazzled track and field fans at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, while clinching gold in shot put F42/44 with a throw of 7.74m ahead of competitors from Delta and Edo States, said he will keep training harder to make his dream come true.
Akinade won gold in shot put and bronze in discus throw. Though he confessed that concentrating on the events did not allow him to enjoy his stay in Asaba, he wants to be there again for next year’s edition of the NYG.
Akinade stated, “I won medals in shot put and discuss. I am very happy because one is gold and the other is silver.
“I am glad because my parents will also be happy when they see me return home with these two medals.”
He then spoke about his experience in the Delta State capital, where he was happy to make new friends, but admitted that he could not relax until after his last contest in the field events.
“I am happy being here in Asaba, although it was only small that I enjoyed my stay. I could not enjoy it much because I was busy concentrating on competing in two events.
“It was not easy, but I made some new friends and learned many new things,” Akinade disclosed.
He concluded with his next line of action and promised that he would not rest on his oars, as he wants to win more gold medals at the 2025 NYG in the same state, and then represent Nigeria at a higher level.
“I will not relax when I get home. I will put in extra effort to achieve another gold medal when I come back for the competition next year.
“I will also keep working hard so that I will be invited to represent Nigeria in future,” Akinade pledged.
