By Ben Efe 22-5-2025
The compact swimming pool complex of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Ogun State has been overwhelmed by a huge turnout of spectators for the swimming event.
As the swimming event of the National Sports Festival got underway Wednesday it was hard to keep the spectators under control as they pressed closer to the pool to catch a glimpse of the contestants.
“It was a nightmare for officiating officials and the swimmers,” said Nigeria Aquatics Federation president Chinonye Aliyu,
“This has been brought to the notice of the organisers and I’m sure something would be done to restrict the crowd at the venue.
“We quite understand the enthusiasm to watch swimming, but we must take into consideration the safety of the swimmers and officials.”
The boisterousness of the crowd was fueled by two Ogun State swimmers winning gold in the events concluded Wednesday. Kola Otunla won the 100m backstroke with a new national record of 1:02.41 erase the 1:04.61s set in 2018 by Abara Kuma Dilo of Rivers State.
While in the women 800m Tobiloba Akinsanmi won gold earlier in the day.