A journey meant to showcase sporting excellence nearly turned tragic on Saturday, May 17, as some athletes and officials from the Ondo State contingent were involved in a serious road accident on their way to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The crash occurred when a trailer reportedly lost control and collided with one of the buses transporting the team.
Read Also: Lagos State Contingent Survive Bus Accident En Route To National Sports Festival In Ogun
The impact was devastating, leaving several members of the delegation seriously injured.
Tragically, a passenger in the trailer lost their life at the scene.
Thanks to the swift response of emergency services, all injured athletes and officials were promptly evacuated and are currently receiving medical care in stable but serious condition.
While no deaths were recorded among the Ondo team, the incident has cast a shadow over the festivities and sparked growing concern over the safety and welfare of athletes during interstate travel.
Questions are now being raised about the adequacy of insurance coverage and emergency protocols for contingents traveling for national competitions.
The National Sports Festival — often dubbed Nigeria’s “Unity Games” — officially opened on Friday, May 16, in Abeokuta with a colorful ceremony filled with music, culture, and celebration. For the Ondo contingent, however, the path to competition has been lined with pain and resilience.
Despite the trauma, the team remains committed to participating in the games, drawing strength from the support of Nigerians and the unyielding spirit of sportsmanship.
This near-tragedy serves as a sobering reminder: behind every medal pursuit is a story of courage, risk, and the will to overcome.
