- Blackout Disrupts National Sports Festival.
- Athletes Run in Darkness at MKO Stadium.
- Power Outage Sparks Outrage in Abuja.
On Saturday evening, the crowd and competitors were stunned when the newly refurbished MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja experienced an unexpected power cut.
The lights went out without warning halfway through the men’s 10,000-metre final at the National Sports Festival.
A quickly spreading video showed how dimly lit the track was, with runners scrambling on in almost complete darkness.
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The only illumination came from random phone torches and camera gear, highlighting what many deemed a national disgrace.
Eyewitnesses Respond to the Alarming Scene
One reporter at the venue called the situation “hazardous and shameful,” pointing out the risks athletes faced in such poor visibility.
> “The lights went out mid-race. It’s 2025—we should be far past incidents like this. It’s a disgrace, and someone needs to be held accountable,” the reporter stressed.
The power cut, which lasted for a few minutes, not only affected athletes’ performance but also put their safety at risk.
Competing in long-distance races in the dark can cause injuries, wrong turns and confusion—all of which are unacceptable at a major national event.
Social Media Buzz: Anger and Disappointment
After the blackout, Nigerians rushed to X (formerly Twitter) to vent about the country’s infrastructure and leadership. Lots of people felt the outage symbolised wider, underlying problems.
LekanOmoboye:
‘E go better’—that phrase has kept us hoping for decades. Nigeria needs to wake up.”
@eimeekay:
“As sad as it is, it perfectly mirrors the condition of the nation.”
@richardegabou:
“A blackout in 2025 during a national race? Who will be held responsible? Total shame.”
Also Read: ‘They Beat me up’ – Journalist Recounts Ordeal at MKO Abiola Stadium
@ShollzAsaaju:
“They’ll say it was a technical glitch—as if that excuses it.”
Government Promises vs Real Outcomes
Taxpayers’ cash was used to recently renovate the MKO Abiola Stadium.
These improvements were meant to showcase the government’s commitment to sports facilities.
But this mishap has raised questions about the project’s quality and supervision.
At a stadium supposed to be the benchmark for national events, the blackout has left many wondering how the money was spent and who’s in charge of basic facilities like lighting.
What Next: Accountability or Inaction?
Nigeria has often been called out for weak infrastructure at big events, and many hope this will be the final straw.
People are increasingly demanding an inquiry and for those at fault to be held to account.
For the runners, it wasn’t merely an annoyance, it became a safety hazard.
For everyone watching, it was another reminder that promises don’t always turn into reality.
Conclusion
Events like this harm the reputation of Nigeria’s sports bodies and disappoint fans who expect more. Putting on a national games needs top-notch planning—not a blackout mid-race.
Have Your Say
Did you see the lights fail? What does it tell you about Nigeria’s readiness for global competitions?
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