13 May, 2017
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has opposed calls for Nigerian athletes to participate in the on-going Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation in Azerbaijan. Nigeria is one of the 57 countries participating in the sports fiesta tagged, 'BAKU 2017.' The organisers confirmed that the games are strictly for Islamic countries because the "ISSF is a section of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation".
Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Within the framework of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games the National Tourism Promotion Bureau will hold a series of cultural events in the Athletes Village, the Media Center of the Games and in the Park named after poet Sabir. Competitions in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics were included in the program of Islamic Solidarity Games for the first time at the initiative of the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, Mehriban Aliyeva. Team sports include water polo, volleyball, handball and football competitions.
Host Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan are in Group A.
"The opening ceremony was broadcasted in more than 55 countries of the world". Fireworks and laser-lit dancers provided a fascinating start of the ceremony before all 54 participating delegations were represented during the longest stretch of the show, with athletes waving national flags and cheering to the crowd as they were introduced one by one.
