By OUR REPORTER
The North Central zonal elimination for the National Intermediate Games (NIG) began in Jos on Friday after the screening of participating athletes was concluded.
Five of the seven states in the zone are taking part in the team sports elimination, with Niger, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Plateau competing for qualification places at next year’s Games.
A statement signed by Alfred Gonyok, Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Sports Council, and made available to THE NIGERIA STANDARD, said Plateau recorded mixed results on the opening day.
At the Rwang Pam Stadium, Plateau’s male handball team lost 35-32 to Niger before recovering to defeat Kwara 22-21.
The match against Kwara was later abandoned after the team protested over what it considered an incorrect score.
Match officials subsequently awarded the game to Plateau, with the team’s final position to be determined after Niger’s match against Kwara on Saturday.
At the Police Field, Plateau’s male hockey team drew 2-2 with Kwara after regulation time.
Both teams had earlier recorded walkovers against Nasarawa and are tied on points. The extra-time contest was postponed until Saturday morning because of darkness.
Plateau’s male volleyball team had a difficult opening day, losing 3-1 to Nasarawa and 3-2 to Kwara. The team will face Niger on Saturday.
Rugby has secured automatic qualification after no state in the zone presented a team for the competition.
Matches in the female handball and hockey categories will take place on Saturday at their respective venues.