Niger Delta Games: Cross River Unearths New Sporting Talents

Cross River State sports authorities believe they have made a significant breakthrough in talent identification following the state trials for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, which recently concluded in the central senatorial district.

Organised by the Niger Delta Games (NDG) Liaison Committee members in conjunction with the Cross River State Sports Commission, led by Lawrence Etta, these trials are designed to select athletes for the state finals. From there, the final representatives for the upcoming Games will be chosen.

Lawrence Etta, Head of Media and Publicity for the state liaison committee, remarked, “The trials for the Games have continued to ignite hope and inspiration among young sporting talents in both the urban and rural communities across Cross River State. The competition’s talent discovery drive has recorded remarkable success, particularly within the Central Senatorial District.”

He further explained that the initiative has brought together promising young athletes from diverse local government areas and villages, with many experiencing organised sports exposure for the very first time. “The ongoing talent hunt has not only uncovered raw and exceptional abilities but has also created unforgettable moments of joy and motivation for future champions,” Etta told NDG Media. “For several participants, the exercise marks their first opportunity to leave their immediate communities, interact with peers from other areas, and dream beyond their local environment.”

Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM), Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the report, stating it captured a fundamental essence of organising the Games. “This is primarily one of the reasons for the Games: providing opportunities for those in the hinterland to compete and put their talents to use in sports,” he said.

“We want to provide a platform for every youth in the Niger Delta region to find expression for their raw skills and perhaps become a national and international champion.”

The initiative has garnered widespread commendation from athletes, community leaders, and sports stakeholders. They have praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dunamis-Icon Limited, and the Cross River State Government for their commitment to youth empowerment through sports, describing the programme as a timely and innovative platform capable of reshaping the future of sports in the region.