Air Force Games Hold Prospects For Nigeria —Official

Wing Cdr. Ayodele Famuyiya, the Head, Publicity Committee for the ongoing seventh Nigerian Air Force Games in Calabar, says potential athletes who can represent the country abound in the competition.

Famuyiwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday that an Air Force Officer, Flt.-Lt. Zacharia Fwanfur currently holds the national record in the 3000 metres race.

He said there were other service personnel taking part in the Games that had the potential to set new records in some track and field events.

He urged the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to closely monitor the Games and see the athletes in action.

“I foresee some records falling during these Games because we already have an Air Force Officer as a national record holder in the 3000 metres race.

“There are other budding athletes in the Air Force eager to show their talents during the Games,” he said.

Famuyiwa said the Games were an opportunity for younger Nigerians in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to take the opportunity and join the Air Force.

“Talking about what to watch for, I will probably talk to the youths because I see this occasion as an opportunity for the people to assess their own Air Force.

“This is an opportunity for people to come closer to us, and then, we are using it again as an avenue for younger aspiring Nigerians who will like to join the Air Force.

“And that perhaps explains the aspect of the air display that is being incorporated both in the opening and closing ceremonies.

“Young Nigerians who are capable, intelligent, that can be in the Air Force, this is an avenue and we expect to see these people in the future,” he said.

He said the Games would end on November 4 instead of November 5 to enable personnel who were Moslems to travel to celebrate Sallah which comes up on November 6.

NAN reports that 1,000 athletes from five formations of the Air Force are taking part in the Games, holding simultaneously in Calabar and Uyo.

The theme of the Games, tagged Calabar/Uyo 2011 is ” Harmony through Sports”.

Meanwhile, the Tactical Air Command basketball team defeated the Logistics Command team, 53 -21 in the men basketball event of the ongoing 7th Nigerian Air Force Games.

The Tactical Command team shot into the lead in the first half of the encounter, with good ball possession and accurate shooting.

They dominated their opponents in the remaining half to confirm their superiority.

Dung Victor, coach and captain of the Tactical air command team, said his side deserved to win because they prepared for the games.

He said they were prepared for other teams and the ultimate was to win the gold.

“Everybody is prepared, so, we are even ready for the best.

“We do not even want to meet less important people; we need tough people so that we can show our skills.

“It’s a fair game. The most important part is that it has been an injury-free game. I think that is the best part of it.I see the game as a very successful game.”

The captain of Logistics Command, Shehu Ismaila said his team lost a good game it could have won easily.

“There was fair officiating. We will try our best in other matches to salvage some points and be in a medals position.”

Five Air Force formations, Team NAF Headquarters, Tactical Air Command, Training Command, Mobility Command and Logistics Command are taking part in the Games.