CNN
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According to local authorities, athletes, coaches and officials are among the 22 people killed in a traffic accident in northern Nigeria.
Others were left “seriously injured” in the accident, according to a statement issued by Kano’s government office. He added that most of the victims were younger.
“It is in a deeply saddened heart that I have received the tragic news of an unfortunate incident that I have claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and injured several others,” Kano State Governor Aba Kabir Yusuf said in a statement.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I sincerely pray for the deceased family. We will grieve with you and share your sorrows,” he continued.
The accident was “a lonely road crash that could have been the result of fatigue and excessive speed.” The crash occurred at 12:30am on Saturday (7:30pm on Friday), the statement said.
Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) said in a statement posted on Instagram that the athlete killed in the crash had returned to Japan as “identifying their status and representing the nation.” The committee said it was “deeply heartbroken” by the “tragic road accident.”
The victims “hard the passion and commitment to excellence in sports, and have had hopes for a bright future for our country,” said NSC Chairman Malam Dicco. “It is our duty to ensure that such heroes will never be forgotten.”
Sports clubs such as Kano Pillars, Kano’s local soccer team and Nigeria Tennis Federation are also expressing their sadness online.
According to the NSC, Nigeria’s 22nd National Sports Festival was held in Ogun State, southwest in the country. After the 11-day event, the competition held its closing ceremony on Thursday, the NSC said.
Monday will be a day of mourning for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathize with the families of the victims,” the governor announced.
