Enibele Emmanuel, a 14-year-old participant from Team Delta in the boys’ handball event at the 7th National Youth Games, shared insights into their experience at the event, despite not clinching any medals.
He discussed the challenges they faced and the valuable lessons learned.
“It was a challenging game from the start. We put in our best efforts. We had a draw with Bayelsa and narrowly lost 1-0 to Niger. Our quarter-final opponents were a formidable team, and despite our rigorous training and determination, luck was not on our side. We had opportunities to win but couldn’t capitalize on them, leading to our loss in the second half,” Emmanuel recounted.
Despite the outcome, Emmanuel expressed pride in his team’s performance and acknowledged their hard work. He also celebrated the success of the girls’ team, which secured a bronze medal.
He extended gratitude to his coach, secretary, teammates, and the girls’ team for their collective efforts.
Emmanuel emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity, highlighting that success in sports hinges on these qualities.
He pledged to carry this lesson forward and encouraged all athletes to embrace unity as a fundamental principle.
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Regarding Team Delta’s consistent victory, retaining their winning position for seven years, Emmanuel expressed immense pride in his state’s achievements.
He attributed their success to hard work and divine grace, confidently predicting a repeat performance in the coming year.
When asked about their strategy for securing one of the coveted medals in the next edition, Emmanuel emphasized their commitment to returning stronger, undeterred by the presence of over-aged players in the competition.
