Niger Delta Sports Festival to Unveil Next Generation of Stars
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Scouting and Mentorship Committee of the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) is set to discover and showcase the best emerging athletes from the region when the event takes place from April 1 to 8 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, according to its chairman, Godwin Enakhena.
The committee has pledged to identify talents capable of succeeding Nigerian sports icons such as Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekuoroye, and Austine JJ Okocha, reinforcing the Niger Delta’s status as the country’s top sporting hub.
Beyond talent discovery, the festival is designed as a platform for youth empowerment, peace promotion, and cultural celebration. Organizers believe participation will contribute to a brighter future for the region, merging passion with opportunity while fostering unity.
According to Enakhena, the committee’s primary task is to select the best athletes from the 17 sporting events, a process that will be handled by experienced local and international coaches and scouts. He described it as a “Herculean task” that requires collaboration to spotlight the region’s immense sporting potential.
Enakhena, a seasoned sports administrator, emphasized that the NDSF offers the Niger Delta a chance to reclaim its dominance in Nigerian sports. He assured that the selection process would uphold the highest standards, with only the best talents showcased to the world through advanced technology and the presence of foreign scouts.
He commended the NDSF Main Organizing Committee for appointing sports legends like Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Blessing Oborodudu as Festival Ambassadors to mentor and inspire young athletes.
Other members of the Scouting and Mentorship Committee include Mrs. Aniekan Ibezim, Engr. Uwanna Jacob, George Essien (spokesperson), Anthony Alabra Ojo, Paul Omamomo, and Okah Akpotha Fidelis.
