The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival came to an end today amidst squabbles over allowances.
The sponsors, Niger Delta Development Commission failed to pay allowances to officials and athletes, which led to protest by some participating teams.
However, Team Abia finished seventh with nine Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze medals.
Bayelsa won the festival with 42 Gold, 29 Silver and 15 Bronze medals.
According to fillers from Uyo, Team Abia’s performance was hampered by the organizers, who said that national and international athletes would not be part of the festival.
Team Abia went to the festival with green horns only for the organizers to allow some other states to feature established athletes.
In the long run Abia State will reap from these young talents they took to Uyo, if they will be nurtured to stardom.