As is common with most multi-sports events where swimming event conjours special attention, it was not different yesterday as swimmers took to the pool at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium complex, Abuja in continuations the 2024 Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG).
Although there were other events going on, the swimming pool was the centre of attraction as spectators drawn mainly from participating contingents swarm the stands to cheer their representatives to victory.
In one of the heats in the 50meters breaststroke(men), 54-year old Hendrik Smith, representing NLNG finished second and was full of praises for himself. “I had an operation recently and had little time to train before the games. For me to place second in the heat against this strong field gives me hope that I can still compete.”
He said that NLNG will push all the way to win the games, a feat they have never achieved in the past.
In another heat, Shola Ayemo of Chevron beat all comers to clinch the first position. He said his performance was a warning to other contenders that he was still the champion. “I won gold at the last NOGIG. I want to retain my gold medal and nobody can take it away from me.”
In tennis, the competition has reached the semi finals stage. According to the schedule, Bere Barienea representing Chevron will clash with Awin Ganjang of NNPC Ltd. To get to the semi finals, Barienea defeated Fola Olanubi of NCDMB 6-0, 6-2.
In the other semi final match, Nweke Simon of PTI will attempt to get to the final, only if he can beat Ibika Williams of NNPC.
There was action also at the Indoor Sports Hall where ping pongers were busy the whole day slugging it out.
In some of the matches decided yesterday, SEPLAT thrashed SHELL 3-0 in the Women’s Team event. ExxonMobil also defeated Total Energies 3-0, while PTI also dismissed Chevron with the same scoreline.
In the men’s category, SEPLAT beat NNPC 3-0, Shell defeated NUPRC 3-0 while NLNG defeated NCDMB 3-0 to advance. Chevron also sent back Total Energies 3-0 to progress.
