With over 100 days left for the opening events of the World University Games, Nigeria is gearing up preparations to take 100 of its best athletes to the competition which will take place from July 27 – 8th August in Chengdu China.
Chidiebere Ezeani, Acting Secretary General of Nigeria University Games NUGA, who spoke in Abuja over the weekend said “This is indeed a great opportunity for Nigerian Students to showcase talents on a global stage and bring glory to the nation”
The World University Games, also known as the Universiade, is a multi-sport event that takes place every two years, bringing together student-athletes from around the world to compete for honors in a variety of sports.
The 2023 edition of the event has been confirmed for Chengdu, China, and is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from more than 170 countries.
The Chief Marketing Officer of Red Saphire services, Ono Akpe, the marketing outfit hired by the Committee of Vice Chancellors to scout for sponsorship of the Nigerian delegation to China said it will be honorable to have Nigeria fully represented in Chengdu.
Akpe who explained the need to have Nigeria’s flag hoisted in China throughout the duration of the event said “Nigeria has a proud sporting heritage and has produced world-class athletes in various disciplines such as football, athletics, basketball, and table tennis, among others. With 140 days to the start of the Games, the Nigerian University Games Association and university leaders are working tirelessly to select the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the event.
To achieve this, rigorous training programs and trials are being conducted to identify potential athletes who will fly the Nigeria flag and win-win medals.
Nigeria is expected to compete for honors in seven disciplines, including track and field, swimming, badminton, judo, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, and Tennis.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only the best athletes expected to make the cut. Those who will eventually make would be given the opportunity to compete against the best student-athletes from around the world.
The hope is that Nigeria will not only participate but will also excel at the 2023 World University Games, bringing pride and joy to the nation.
Ezeani is “therefore appealing to the government, sports authorities, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support our teams, as they represent Nigeria with honor, dignity, and sportsmanship”
NUGA has regularly produced World class athletes who took part in the Games in the past.
