Sports stakeholders in Imo State have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to declare a state of emergency in sporting facilities following Team Imo’s disappointing performance at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games.
Team Imo returned home with only five gold medals, raising concerns about the state’s athletics infrastructure.
Experts and former coaches blame the decline on the prolonged absence of a functional tartan track at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, a facility whose track has been removed for several years.
Retired athletics coach Joe Chimezie , a former official of the Imo State Sports Commission, said athletes cannot compete effectively without proper facilities.
“Running on concrete and racing on tartan tracks are completely different. The state risks losing its athletics legacy if urgent action is not taken,” he said.
Documenting events at the competition, state liaison committee member Kennedy Onwunali noted that Imo athletes showed determination but struggled against competitors who train consistently on standard tartan surfaces.
During the games in Benin City, Edo State, the athletes reportedly had to familiarise themselves with the track and practise using spikes only hours before their events.
Imo State has historically produced world-class athletes, including Chioma Ajunwa, who won long jump gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics; Charity Opara, a silver medalist in the 4×400m relay at the same Games; and Christy Opara‑Thompson, who claimed bronze in the 4×100m relay at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Other notable athletes from the state include Obinna Eregbu, Chidi Imoh.
Stakeholders argue that declaring a state of emergency would fast-track the construction and rehabilitation of modern sports facilities, including a tartan track, enabling athletes to train properly and restoring Imo’s once-dominant presence in sprinting, jumping, and throwing events at national and international competitions.
“The time to act is now,” Coach Chimezi added. “Without immediate intervention, Imo risks being left behind in every major competition.” Observers also noted that track and field alone accounts for more than 60 medal events across male and female categories, meaning that with adequate preparation and facilities, Imo State could significantly improve its medal prospects in future competitions