Ikpeba Praises Niger Delta Games For Talent Development

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis Icon, consultants for the Niger Delta Games, for establishing a platform to discover and showcase the region’s abundant talent.

The legendary striker, born in Sapele, stated that the Games have become a vital tool for taking children off the streets in an area recently known for unrest. He emphasised that the Niger Delta Games offer a beacon of hope for young people in the region who aspire to improve their lives and those of their families through sport.

The Isoko football star, who dominated African football in 1997 and earned the nickname ‘The Prince of Monaco’ for his exploits in the French Ligue 1 with AS Monaco, asserted that the Games should be sustained. He noted their role in fostering peace within the region and urged other Nigerian regions to emulate this excellent initiative to enhance national sports development.

Ikpeba, now a broadcaster, advised the young athletes participating in the Games to view it as an opportunity to lift their families out of poverty and gain international recognition. He stressed the importance of focus and determination to excel, regardless of their final position. He attributed his global recognition today to sport, having seized the opportunity when it arose.

The former Olympic gold medallist also pledged his continued support for the Niger Delta Games and all initiatives that promote sports development in Nigeria.