By CAROL V. UTULU

Some states contingent at the 9th National Youth Games holding in Asaba, have expressed disappointment over poor accommodation arrangement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that officials and team handlers from Plateau, Rivers and Kwara states were visibly angry with what they term ‘dirty environment’ reserved for them.

A coaching staff with the Rivers Sports Council who gave his name simply as Joseph, told NAN on Thursday in Asaba that accommodation reserved for his athletes was not just poor, but unsafe.

“When we arrived Asaba, the organisers took us to one Dennis Osadebey school premises as our accommodation space. The place is very bushy, with weeds, elephant grass almost covering the windows.

“Aside the environment, there is also no electricity and water. The whole place is so dark and very unsafe to keep the young athletes who are just under fifteen years of age.

“I told the guy that showed us the place that we cannot stay here, we will rather sleep on the floor inside the stadium”, he said.

Also speaking, an admin staff with the Plateau contingent, who pleaded anonymity told NAN that the accommodation reserved for the State football team was nothing to write home about.

He said there were no mattresses and water available for the athletes, describing the accommodation arrangement as very poor and unfortunate.

“We got to the place, no mattresses and no water for us to take our bath and flush the toilets. It is quite disappointing and very unfortunate,” he said.

Speaking in the same vain, Alhaji Alawaye Ishaq, an Assistant Judo Coach, with the Kwara State Contingent said the accommodation arrangement made for the state contingent was very poor.

“We arrived Asaba Tuesday night, and the place they gave us as our accommodation is not too okay.

“As I speak to you now, there is no electricity light and also no water for us to use, you can imagine that kind of arrangement,” Alawaye said.

Efforts to reach the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for response was abortive, as calls and text message put to the chairman of the Committee, Mr. Onoriode Oborovwori’s mobile were not answered and responded. (NAN)