Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Hon. Daniel Igali, has played down the significance of the current medals table standings, stating that Bayelsa’s primary goal is to compete strongly with traditionally dominant states.
Speaking at the ongoing National Sports Festival, Hon. Igali responded to questions about Bayelsa’s position on the medals table with characteristic humility and perspective.
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“You can’t talk about the medals table by who is leading now,” Igali said. “We only came to give competition to the perennial winners, of which we are doing now.”
The Olympic gold medalist and world champion emphasized that while Bayelsa has shown tremendous improvement and competitiveness, the final results will be what matters most.
“This is a long competition, and consistency is what counts. Our athletes are doing their best, and our aim is not just to chase medals but to make a strong, lasting impression,” he added.
Bayelsa State has made significant investments in sports development in recent years, and their athletes’ performances are beginning to reflect that effort. However, Igali’s comments suggest that the state is more focused on growth and long-term progress than momentary rankings.
As the festival continues, many eyes will remain on Bayelsa’s athletes to see whether they can sustain the momentum and possibly upset the dominance of the more established sporting powerhouses.
