The Benue State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Wednesday commended Team Benue for their commitment, dedication, and resilience at the just-concluded 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The team finished 29th on the medals table with a total of 18 medals, comprising 6 silver and 12 bronze medals.
SWAN Chairman, Hembadoon Orsar, praised the athletes, officials, and management team for their achievements, despite inadequate training facilities and lack of invitation to a closed camp.
He described them as true ambassadors with a focused and pragmatic vision.
The association expressed gratitude to Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia for sponsoring the state contingent to the NSF, indicating his commitment to youth and sports development.
SWAN also commended the Commissioner of Youth, Sports, and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, for effectively steering the sports sector and the Director of Sports, Anthony Torbunde, for coordinating the state contingent.
The association urged athletes and coaches not to relent in their efforts but to continue training hard towards improving themselves.
SWAN is optimistic that with adequate preparations, early commencement of training, and provision of adequate training facilities, Benue athletes will perform better in the next edition of the NSF in Enugu in 2026.
“The association’s optimism for future success is based on the potential of Benue athletes and the commitment of the state government to sports development.
“With the right support and resources, Team Benue is expected to pull surprises in future competitions,” the association noted.