By Philip Eke, Yenagoa
Over 300 athletes and officials of Team Bayelsa have arrived safely in Calabar for the Team Sports Zonal Eliminations ahead of the National Intermediate Games [NIG].
The contingent departed Yenagoa on Wednesday, September 9, led by the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mr. Bibowei Lambert.
Lambert disclosed that a second contingent will leave Yenagoa for the National Sports Festival [NSF] zonal eliminations on Friday, September 11, 2026.
He explained that budget constraints made it impossible for both contingents to travel together, hence the NIG team departed first.
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According to him, the Intermediate Games team is expected back in Yenagoa on Saturday, September 12, immediately after the zonal eliminations, after which attention will shift fully to the NSF contingent.
The Director charged coaches to effectively manage their squads, adding that some coaches and secretaries leading the Intermediate athletes will remain in Calabar to take charge of the NSF athletes. He said further deliberations will be held in Calabar to determine the officials that will lead the Intermediate contingent back to Yenagoa.
He urged the athletes and officials to justify Government’s huge investment in sports by converting their preparations to results, stressing that sufficient funds have been approved for the outing.
The contingent comprises male and female teams in Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Hockey, Handball and Abula, including coaches, secretaries, referees, management, media, security, medical and secretariat staff.
