Ado Salisu
Players and officials participating in the ongoing Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Northwest Sports Competition in Dutse, Jigawa State have raised serious concerns over poor organization, threatening to withdraw from the tournament if conditions do not improve.
Findings by our correspondent revealed a wave of dissatisfaction among athletes and their coaches, particularly over lack of electricity, dilapidated and unmarked pitches, and inadequate officiating at the NYSC orientation camp, the venue of the event.
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Upon arrival at the camp, participants were reportedly faced with total blackout, with no electricity supply in their accommodations.
Many lamented their inability to charge phones or communicate with families, while others complained of being exposed to mosquito-infested rooms, raising fears of malaria infections.
“Since we arrived, there has been no power in our rooms. Most of our phones are dead, and we can’t reach our families. The mosquito situation is also unbearable,” some participants told our reporter.
In addition, the quality of the playing grounds came under scrutiny. Players expressed concern that matches were being played on unmarked and poorly maintained pitches, which they described as hazardous.
“How can a single referee officiate a match without assistants, and on an unmarked pitch? This is unsafe and unprofessional,” a coach complained.
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While commending UBEC’s intention to promote grassroots sports development, participants emphasized the need to involve professional sports administrators and stakeholders in future events.
“UBEC under the leadership of Aisha Garba has a commendable vision, but to realize these goals, professionals must be engaged in planning and execution,” they said.
When contacted, the Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Malam Aminu Mai Fada, confirmed the lack of power supply at the venue, noting that he has already escalated the issue to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for urgent action.
“This is the maiden edition of the competition, so naturally, there are lessons to learn. UBEC is committed to addressing these challenges to ensure better organization in subsequent editions,” he assured.
Despite the setbacks, the tournament is ongoing, and winners and runners-up from the Northwest zone will qualify to represent the region at the national finals in Abuja later this year.