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The Executive Chairman of Asa Local Government, Alhaji Yahya Sheu, has expressed optimism that baseball and softball can compete favourably with football at the national level if given the necessary support and attention.
Alhaji Yahya stated this while speaking with sportswriters after the final games of the baseball and softball events held at the Adewole Baseball Park, Ilorin, as part of activities marking the 8th edition of the Kwara State Sports Festival.
The chairman, who said he was elated by the success recorded so far, commended the administrators, coaches and athletes for their efforts, describing them as wonderful.
He also appreciated the coaches and talent hunters who have been moving around to discover young talents, stressing that their efforts would contribute significantly to the development of baseball and softball.
According to him, there are still abundant talents in baseball and softball waiting to be tapped, noting that what is needed is encouragement, proper development and adequate support.
“In baseball and softball, there are still abundant talents that need to be tapped. What we need is to encourage them and bring them on board. As far as this present administration is concerned, we will give them the necessary support and make sure the talents discovered are taken to greater heights.” he said
Alhaji Yahya noted that apart from football, volleyball, athletics and tennis, Asa Local Government also has athletes in other sports who have won laurels for the local government and the state, with some having competed at the national level.
In the final results, Asa defeated Ilorin West 7-1 to win the gold medal in the softball mixed event, while Irepodun defeated Ifelodun 5-4 to claim the bronze medal.
In baseball, Asa emerged champions after defeating Ifelodun 4-1 in the final, while Irepodun secured the bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over Ilorin West in the third-place match.
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