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Makanjuola Oluwafunmilayo, an experienced athlete who represents Delta State, has shared his trip and reflections after competing in Abula, one of the traditional sports of Nigeria, at the 22nd National Sports Festival, held in Abeokuta, state of Ogun.
Having made his debut in the Bauchi 2000 edition, Oluwafunmilayo revealed that it has been a regular face at the festival for more than 21 years. His passion for sports and national competition has kept it strong in two decades.
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“It has been wonderful. It has been incredible. It’s a glorious experience. I really enjoyed it.”
In this year’s edition, she and her team secured a silver and bronze medal, a testimony of her hard work and perseverance, despite the difficult challenges they faced.
“To be a champion, you have to train hard. It is not easy. Time, discipline and great effort are needed. We train daily from morning until the games closed for the day. ”
One of the biggest challenges for Oluwafunmilayo was to deal with a knee injury, but his determination kept it in motion.
“Yes, there were challenges, especially for injuries. I had to handle a knee injury. But thank God, it was a success. That did not prevent me from competing or winning.”
He described all the trip of Asaba to Abeokuta and the experience of camping with other athletes as unforgettable, especially as years had passed since his last competition due to the absence of Abula in Delta 2022.
Now near the end of his competitive career, Oluwafunmilayo revealed that he is currently experiencing an advanced coaching course at the National Sports Institute and is preparing to make the transition to full -time training.
“At this time, I am focused on becoming a coach. After school, I will face that career completely.”
While he intends to retire after this festival, Oluwafunmilayo left space for a possible return, depending on how younger athletes perform in the next edition.
“If young people can meet the standard we have established, I will retire. But if they fall short, I could have to return.”
His message to athlete aspiring was firm and encouraging:
“Being a champion is not a work day. Determination, hard work and give it everything there is no tomorrow. This is how you sell the world.”
With his remarkable trip, Oluwafunmilayo stands as a symbol of resilience, discipline and dedication, a true inspiration for future generations in traditional sports.
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