National Youth Games. 'I thought it was prison at first' - Reactions as photos of young athletes sleeping on mattresses emerge

Nigerians on social media have reacted to the viral photo of young athletes sleeping on mattresses placed on the floor at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba.

The now-viral photo has generated harsh criticism as users condemned the organizers of the event.

The photos also exposed some of the challenges faced by the various participating states in Asaba.

Reacting, however, to the photos, the Project Manager of Hostels and Accommodations, Demola Aare says there is more to the picture.

Speaking with journalists in Asaba, he explained that the postponement in the start date of the Youth Games contributed significantly to the challenges faced, though he implied that those teething problems have now been resolved.

According to Mr Aare, the master plan for the games was to ensure that all the contingents were housed within a 30km radius so that no team was far away from their competition venues.

“During the preparation, we were able to earmark Osadebe University, Infant Jesus Academy, and Technical College; these are notable schools with good facilities, bunk beds, and whatever is needed. They were expected to cater for over 5,000 athletes and officials.

“However, due to the postponement of the Games, these institutions had to resume their academic programs with their students. When we wanted to start the games, they were about to start their exams, and we could not drive them out, so we had to manage the situation.

“The Governor gave us the go-ahead to use all the public schools available; some have double bunks, some don’t have, meaning foams will be put on the floor. The Ministry was adequately informed of this situation.”

Aside from the postponement of the Games, which made some of the earmarked facilities unavailable, Mr. Aare also blamed the overblown contingents of some states for the quagmire.

See the photos below





See how Nigerians reacted

erm_eys wrote: "There is no need to host this games and suffer these kids like this. Someone has collected the money for accommodation and gone to marry a new wife and buy bullet proof SUVs while these little kids suffer like this."

danielakpeyi commented: "I was in a camp like this for days during the teenage years of my journey..Law School somewhere in Delta State while doing screening for Delta state U14.Sadly years after we still see things like this,but one thing is for sure,there’s gonna be great stars among those ones there,that is the glorious thing about God"

onyinyechi_akabueze said: "23 years ago, I attended one, and this was exactly how all athletes were camped till the game finished. Its disgusting the sports minsters and management have had no improvement."

officialking_etto commented: "I thought it was prison at first not until I read the caption, wahala"

homeboyz_12 said: "This one na small na, Wetin Person eyes See for Football for naija no be here o"

theudeee commented: "Since my playing days, this is how we used to camp. E don tey o no be today this dey happen"

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