Mr Aondowase Chia, the Benue Commissioner for Youth and Sports, said on Saturday that the state's contingent to the ongoing 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos had medal potential.

Chia told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on the fifth day of competition that the sports which would fetch medals for the state at the Games would begin on Dec. 3.

"Team Benue is doing well. Our areas of strength will start on Monday. They are track and field, traditional sports, weightlifting and kickboxing.

"Our athletes are not complaining. They have been well motivated. Besides, the state Director of Sports did a good job in ensuring the comfort and safety of our athletes," he said.

The commissioner said the state was targeting to finish among the first three at the end of the biennial Games.

"We want to improve on our 8th position at the 17th edition of the Games. We are optimistic of achieving this target and we hope to get there."

Chia said the state came to the sports festival with 361 athletes and 150 officials.

"Team Benue has projected to be among the best at the 18th edition of the National Sports Festival. The spirit is still there."

NAN recalls that Benue finished 8th at the 17th edition of the Games in Port Harcourt last year with 17 gold, 14 silver and 25 bronze medals.

NAN