In what has become a tradition for the sports writers from the Southern part of the country to engage their northern counterparts, the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, has rekindled that spirit again.
The novelty match held at the Main bowl of the MKO Abiola Stadium, saw the DG, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, leading the Southern SWAN in the 1st half.
The match which started on a low pace later gathered momentum as sports writers showed that they can put to practice what they write and say as they displayed skills all through the match.
The first half ended in a stalemate as non could break down the defence line.
On the resumption of the 2nd half, both sides took the game to each other but it was the Northern SWAN that broke the deadlock in the 50th min when Jeremiah Olatunbosun delivered a pin point cross to the legs of Obasi Michael as he laid a pass to Abubakar Nuhu of Katsina SWAN, who dribbled pass the defence with a low drive into the bottom right of the net for the only goal of the game.
Addressing the journalists after the game, Hon Bukola Olopade, appreciated them for the camaraderie shown as the match has been the best of such.
Hon Olopade enthused ” I must be frank with you , I enjoyed myself, the atmosphere of camaraderie was fun, let’s put sports in the front burner because of its importance; I appreciate everyone here and the SWAN leadership”.
In his response, the SWAN National Chairman, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, commended the DG, for showing up and even played in the match for both team as he also appreciated journalists present at the venue.
He thereafter, announced that SWAN National Convention comes up by 11AM today at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade, SSIMEDIA, Gateway Games.
