NSC expresses concern over aging athletes population in southeast

Benard Ezema, the Southeast Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has expressed concern over the current state of sports in the zone, especially the aging of athletes in Enugu State.

Ezema made his feelings known on Friday when some members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State chapter, visited his office at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

He said there was an urgent need to address the aging athletes population, which appeared to be dwindling, emphasising the necessity of identifying and nurturing new talents.

Ezema emphasised the commitment of the NSC zonal office to enhancing sports development in the zone.

He warned stakeholders including government officials, sports enthusiasts, coaches, and administrators to take sports seriously and avoid exploitation.

He appreciated SWAN for the visit, adding that it was apt and timely.

“I acknowledge the importance of SWAN as a key partner in sports activities in the southeast.

“Though, we faced a lot of challenges during the recent zonal eliminations but I am optimistic of future collaborations with SWAN,” Ezema said.

The coordinator said that the primary mandate of the commission was sports development, and not organising competitions.

“There is a need for collaboration with SWAN and other stakeholders to uplift sports in the southeast.

“Sports is not a game one person can play, and I promise to work closely with SWAN to improve the situation for athletes in the region.

“All the athletes are aging, and no other talents have been identified to replace them.

“So, we want to change the narratives in sports to move sports forward in the southeast,” he said.

Earlier, the chairman of SWAN in Enugu, Gideon Iwueke, welcomed Ezema to the zone and underscored the need for collaboration as vital stakeholders in sports development.

He said that the visit was aimed at fostering a collaborative environment for the growth of sports in the region.

The chairman, however, regretted the non-inclusion of SWAN in the scheme of things in Enugu State, especially by some sports associations.