By Oluwatobiloba Kumoye who was in Abeokuta
Nigerian music star, Adegbola Akande Abolore popularity known as 9ice has lauded the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 championships, describing it as the best platform to showcase young athletes.
The event, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, saw Nigeria dominate the sprint and relay events, with athletes winning multiple gold medals and setting new championship records
The highly sought-after singer, songwriter and dancer, described the Confederation of Africa Athletics, (CAA), U-18/U-20 Championships as the right platform to bring young and talented athletes to the lamplight.
9ice who entertained during closing ceremony made this known in an exclusive interview on Sunday.
He stated that the tournament which is in its third season has been sensational and seamless, showcasing the very best of African talents.
The Oyo State born artist widely known for his powerful use of Yoruba language in his music and his proverbial lyrics commended Team Nigeria for their performance in the Rock City, Abeokuta, during the championship, emphasizing that they made Nigeria proud.
He called on the Federal government to do more for sports in Nigeria, stating that with more investments in the sport, Team Nigeria will engrave the country’s name in gold in every event they compete in.
“This is the best platform for young athletes on the continental, the event is excellent, we pray that the government invests in more sporting activities in Nigeria, South Africa invented in theirs, so we too should support young talents in Nigeria,” the former boxer and footballer stressed.
He further explained that over the years, the event has been producing superstars and world champions.
The strong cast of world champions produced from the event is headed by Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, Ese Brune and Favour Ofili.
940 athletes took part in the championship held in the Rock City, Abeokuta, with South Africa winning the championships, closely followed by Nigeria, with Kenya completing the top three.
The 45 year old musician, with 25 years of experience in the music world, also had some nice words for the organisers of the event, the Confederation of Africa Athletics, (CAA) the Nigeria Sports Commission, (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable, Chief Bukola Olopade, the Ogun State Sports Ministry, (OSSM), led by Honourable Isiaka Wasiu, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) who put the event together, calling on God Almighty to bless their pockets, enabling them to do more
