21 Nigerian athletes killed in road accident

LAGOS, Nigeria

At least 21 Kano State athletes were killed on Saturday when their bus lost control and fell from a bridge in Kura Local Government Area while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria.

The vehicle, carrying 35 passengers, mostly athletes and officials, was returning from the sports festival when the fatal accident occurred before reaching their destination, said a senior official.

Umar Faggie, chairman of the state’s sports commission, told Anadolu over the phone that "the athletes were traveling in a Kano State Sports Commission bus when it flipped off the bridge."

Survivors of the road mishap have been taken to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed "deep sorrow" for the athletes' deaths in a post on his X account, describing the victims as "the very best of our nation, dedicated, talented, and full of promise."

“I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,” he said.

The National Sports Festival (NSF) is a major multi-sport event in Nigeria that attracts athletes from various states. It encourages unity, athletic development, and excellence. The NSF emphasizes sports such as athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and others.