KOKOWA – Three Kokowa fighters from Lagos Island Local Government Area (LGA) on Friday advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing 2nd Lagos State Sports Festival, “Ibile Games”.
Olubode Fayowole defeated Martins Olajide of Bariga Local Government in the 55kg category.
Segun Adebanwo also in 55kg beat Alex Omosanwo of Ikate Local Government Area, while Suilaimon Ona in the 75kg beat Okereke King also representing Ikate Local Government Area.
Fayowole, who will meet Julius Adekunle of Ibeju Lekki LGA in one of the 55kg semi-finals pairings, told NAN that the publicity for the Games was low compared to the 2012 edition.
Fayowole, who won bronze in the 2012 edition, added that not many fighters registered to compete in the 2014 edition.
“It is like many local governments are not interested in this edition,’’ he said.
One of officials at the Games, Olufemi Akinsanya, however, told NAN that the standard at this edition of the Games was impressive.
“I have been involved in this event since its inception and I can tell you that our fighters are improving in their skills,’’ he said.
Akinsanya expressed the hope that with consistent training and more investment on their training, Lagos would do well in Kokowa at national and international tournaments. (NAN)