Topping the Table Feels Like Arsenal Leading the League – Igali on Bayelsa’s Early Lead at NSF

Despite Bayelsa State’s strong lead on the medals table at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta, the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, has warned that it’s still too early to celebrate, comparing their position to Arsenal leading the Premier League early in the season.

Reacting to Bayelsa’s performance after just four days of competition, Igali said the Games are far from over, with at least nine more days to go.

“It’s like Arsenal topping the league in November,” Igali said. “Yes, we are happy with our position, but we’re not getting carried away. Anything can still happen.”

Bayelsa currently leads ahead of traditional powerhouses like Delta, Edo, Rivers, and Oyo. But Igali insists the real battle will be clearer towards the end of the festival.

“You only know who the real winner is when there are about three or four days left,” he added. “The competition is fair and very open. I don’t think any state will run away with 20 gold medals.”

Speaking at the swimming event, Igali acknowledged the strong performance of host state Ogun, as well as Delta and Bayelsa, saying other states are also picking up medals.

He praised the support his ministry receives, saying, “I’m the luckiest Commissioner for Sports. This is my third time in this role, and in six years, my governor has never cut one naira from a memo I submitted. He was once a Sports Commissioner too, so he understands the demands.”

Bayelsa may be flying high, but just like in football, it’s the final whistle that truly matters.