Hussein Adeleke
Team Kwara has condemned overaged athletes presented by some states known as intermediary against Kwara Fives players at the ongoing National Youth Games holding in Asaba, Delta State.
A statement by Kwara Fives Secretary explained that the overaged players are not expected to play in the junior category any longer, but some states present them on their lineups to win medal at all cost.
The statement noted that, it was a serious deliberation session as President of Nigeria Fives Federation along his Board members tagged one of the affected players who was presented by team Kano that he will not be allowed to play, due to the federation rules.
It quoted Federation rules to have said any players who have played in the intermediate category, can not be permitted to play in any junior event being National championship or States championship.
The Kwara Fives Team pointed out that the players in question were screened out in 2023, and 2024 National Youth games, but scaled through screening this year,due to the NIN presented believed to have been manipulated.
Team described the act of disappointment having received an order from office of MOC chairman and Chairman Accreditation for ongoing National Youth Games, that the players who has been tagged not allowed to play in the Fives by the President of Fives Federation and his Board members now allowed to participate.
The Statement therefore charged National Sports Commission to be proactive in curbing manipulation among some participating states to justify the essence of the tournament.
