The Edo Government and Aquatic Federation of Nigeria on Saturday assured that they would continue to keep an eye on Leon Owie who won nine medals in swimming events.
The Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, and Babatunde Fatai-Williams, President of the Aquatic Federation of Nigeria, disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Both Fatayi-Williams and Shaibu acknowledged that there was a great talent in Owie.
NAN reports that Owie had won 3 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze medals as at Friday night at the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abuja.
Shaibu said Gov. Godwin Obaseki had asked the Edo State Sports Commission to keep an eye on him with a view to nurturing him and developing him into a world-class champion.
“Owie will be enlisted into youth programmes in Germany, and this will help to keep him sharp and fit for the entire nation,’’ he said.
The Deputy Governor said Edo’s goal was to continue to win medals and produce athletes who would represent the country at the international level.
On his part, Fatai-Williams said the 16-year-old Owie was a great talent and the federation was already making efforts to get in touch with his coach in Germany.
Fatai-Williams said the aquatic federation wanted to get the details of his coach over there in Germany to enable it continue in following the athlete and his activities.
“The Edo government deserves commendation for bringing him to participate in this edition of the NSF.
“We will continue to liaise with them to see the support they can give him (Owie),’’ he said.
Fatai-Williams said Owie has already been pencilled down as one of those to be invited for preparations for next year’s African Games in Morocco.(NAN)
