Marvis Ighalo, head coach of Edo State’s women’s dart team at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, expressed disappointment after four matches without a medal—but remains optimistic about the remaining events.
“Personally, this is my worst Festival ever. Playing four games without a medal is very, very bad. In all the festivals I’ve been attending, before I played two games, I would make sure I came home with a gold medal.
But this is my worst Festival ever—playing four games without a medal is not a good one. It’s a very bad one.”
Coach Marvis said she underestimated the depth of talent this year and plans to work harder before the next festival. “I knew we trained very hard before coming here, but I took it for granted that it would be business as usual.
This year I see a lot of new darters who are very smart. Going back, I’ll put in more effort so that at the next festival, I will return to where I belong.”
So far, Edo’s team has won two silvers and one bronze, with four more events—including mixed doubles and various singles—still to play.
“We still have about four games: 701 mixed doubles, 1001 singles, 300 singles, and 201 singles.”
When asked if she still believes in a comeback, Coach Ighalo said, “I pray so. We have to remain positive.”
Edo’s darters will compete later today, hoping to add medals to their tally before the festival ends.
