A video obtained by SaharaReporters captured the chaotic moment when the stadium lights failed, plunging the track and field into near-total darkness while athletes struggled to continue the race.

Nigerian athletes competing in the 10,000m final at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Ogun State were forced to run in darkness after the floodlights at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Stadium suddenly went off mid-race.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters captured the chaotic moment when the stadium lights failed, plunging the track and field into near-total darkness while athletes struggled to continue the race.

A journalist who witnessed the incident described the scene as “shameful” and “dangerous.”

“Stadium lights went off during the 10,000m final at the National Sports Festival.

Athletes were forced to run in the dark. This is unacceptable in 2025,” the journalist said.

“Those responsible must be held accountable — such negligence has no place at the National Sports Festival.”

The MKO Abiola Stadium, recently renovated with public funds, was billed as a symbol of the government’s commitment to sports development.

But Saturday night’s blackout raised fresh concerns about the quality of infrastructure and planning under the current administration of Dapo Abiodun.

SaharaReporters had also reported that there was chaos and panic on Tuesday afternoon at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, one of the major venues of the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival, as a fire outbreak sent athletes and spectators scrambling for safety.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the fire incident occurred when a diesel truck supplying fuel to the complex’s generating set suddenly caught fire and erupted in flames.

Images obtained by SaharaReporters also showed thick plumes of smoke moving into the sky, triggering stampede-like scenes within the facility.

The incident, which happened just after 3 pm, disrupted ongoing events and raised fears of a possible mass casualty incident.

A statement made available to SaharaReporters by Nathaniel Mobolade, SSI Media, National Sports Festival, Ogun State later read, “Fire outbreak at the Alake Sports Complex, venue of the indoor games of the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.

“No casualties as the driver was able to drive the truck far from the venue.

“The truck came to supply diesel to the generating set that powers the Complex.

“State Fire Service men were able to put out the fire though it took about 45mins before they arrived.”