The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) has announced that the Edo State Government in collaboration with the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has concluded plans to host the 2023 NUGA trials for athletes to the World University Games.
In a statement signed by Chidiebere Ezeani, Acting Secretary General, NUGA, the trials are scheduled to start from May 8 to 14, 2023 in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and it will feature seven sports: Athletics, badminton, judo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and tennis at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Notably, the trials will feature athletes who performed exceptionally well at the 26th NUGA Games, as well as new athletes who will compete for spots on the team that will represent Nigeria at the World University Games.
Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor, Edo State said: “We have the best facilities in Nigeria, and we are happy to accommodate NUGA and university athletes. Edo State intends to lead sports development in Nigeria, adding that, we also intend to go grassroots with our sports development, and this is a great opportunity for us to show our commitment.”
In the same vein, Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, has expressed delight in hosting the trials.
He said: “We remain at the forefront of university sports development in Nigeria, having sent over 200 students to the NUGA Games. We believe these events go beyond competition and are experiences that most students cherish from their academic years.”
Meanwhile, NUGA has said that the event presented a significant opportunity for the athletes to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the team that will represent Nigeria at the World University Games.
The NUGA is reputed for organising university-level sports events in Nigeria and it has hosted several inter-university sports competitions called the University Games. Now, the question on the minds of Nigerian youths is, will this NUGA trials produce the crop of finalists that will make Nigeria proud?
