Adamawa state contingents for the much anticipated National Sports festival tagged Edo 2020 which is already on the way may not have the opportunity to showcase their talent at the national event.

The state sports council has made ready over 200 athletes and officials who are supposed to participate in about 20 sporting events, but that preparation may end in futility as the contingent are yet to leave the state for the games.

Though the official flag-off for the games is Tuesday the 6th of April, the chances of Adamawa making it is still hazy.

Already, the state athletes participating in kickboxing and cycling have missed their events which have already been competed for. There are so many other sporting competitions that have started before the official opening ceremony which is a normal tradition of the festival.

Officials of the sports council and the state ministry of sports have not responded to calls made by our reporter, but someone close to the seat of power who pleaded anonymity said “I don’t think Adamawa will participate in the festival.”

If the state fails to participate in the festival, it will be sanctioned and a fine of N15m will be paid by the state government.

Sports enthusiasts are worried that this will dampen the morale of the youths who feel they are already ‘marginalized’ by the Fintiri-led government.

This will be the first time that the state may not be participating in the National Sports Festival. Will governor Fintiri allow this under his watch? Only time will tell.