By Admin
Athletes in the 10,000 metre final at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Ogun State found themselves in Darkness following a power outage at Mashood Kashimawo Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The incident occurred after the floodlights suddenly failed midway through the event.
The blackout, which disrupted one of the marquee events of the festival, was captured in a footage where it revealed a scene of confusion and frustration as the athletes, some visibly disoriented, continued running in pitch-black conditions.
“Stadium lights went off during the 10,000m final at the National Sports Festival. Athletes were forced to run in the dark. This is unacceptable in 2025.”
“Those responsible must be held accountable — such negligence has no place at the National Sports Festival,” a pressman noted.
Officials could be seen scrambling to address the situation, but the lights remained off for the remainder of the race. The moment not only marred the integrity of the competition but also highlighted a serious lapse in event planning and execution.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Ogun State government’s preparedness and commitment to hosting a high-profile sporting event. Critics have pointed fingers at Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, accusing it of prioritizing aesthetics over functionality.
