Sports lovers in Akure the Ondo state capital have expressed mixed feelings following the stay-at-home order and the shutdown of all sporting activities as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Sports reporter, Isaac Afolabi who sampled their views completes the report.

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Before the present situation, it is always a week full of action, be it the in the European football leagues, the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, matches or visiting viewing and betting centres just to get the excitement of sporting activities.

Now, the story has changed, stadia, betting shops, football viewing centres and gyms have all become shadows of themselves following the global pandemic which necessitated shutting down all sporting activities.

In the Akure, the Ondo state capital, the popular Akure Sports Complex was deserted even as the ever-busy sports betting shops located around the metropolis were under lock owing to the stay-at-home order by the government.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria on this scenario, a soccer fan and broadcaster Bunmi Afuye said the weekend was just boring as he couldn’t watch the European games and visit the stadium to watch Nigeria domestic league matches.

A passionate sports lover, Mrs Ola Adelalu said the current development was painful.

On his part, a fitness trainer and a basketball player, Henry Akinlaja said although the situation was in the best interest of all he had since gotten engaged with training at home to get over the boredom.

Also looking at the economic impact, Radio Nigeria caught up with an owner of a sports viewing centre who shared his concerns.

Meanwhile, young boys on the streets have resorted to playing football on empty roads in some parts of the state capital.

Many of the respondents could not but wish that things get back to normal and quickly too.

Isaac Afolabi

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