Niger Delta Games: Talent Spotters Eye Future Stars In Benin

As the second edition of the Niger Delta Games enters its third day, the Scouting Committee has affirmed its commitment to unearthing the next generation of sporting talent from the region.

Godwin Enakhena, Chairman of the committee, and his team have been diligently visiting various venues from morning to evening, collaborating with the screening committee to ensure the identification of promising athletes.

“We are poised to discover the next Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen, Nwankwo Kanu, Efe Ajagba, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume, and more, for the Niger Delta region,” Enakhena declared on Sunday afternoon.

He joined a group of former athletics legends, including Mary Onyali, Henry Amike, Gabriel Okon, Gabriel Opuama, and Enefiok Udo-Obong, at the track and field events at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Enakhena expressed satisfaction with the screening committee’s efforts in ensuring that only genuine Under-20 athletes are competing.

“We will meticulously focus our searchlight on the exceptionally talented young athletes showcased at these Games,” he added, amidst the cheers following the 400m hurdles final.

He recalled that the previous edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, saw 644 athletes identified with future potential.

Enakhena believes this number could be surpassed, given the states’ increasing commitment to grassroots talent discovery.

To achieve this, experienced coaches and scouts have been assembled. Blessing Oborududu leads the wrestling scouts, while Rolake Olagbegi-Kassim, Nigeria’s first female professional tennis player and a multi-medalist at the All-African Games, heads the tennis scouting team. Victor Ezeji, the longest-serving NPFL player, will lead the football scouts, among others.

The Niger Delta Games aim to provide a platform for states in the region to discover, test, and nurture indigenous budding talents into national and international champions.

The Games are organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited, led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).