jasdooit

By Jethro Ibileke

At least 3,000 athletes and officials from nine oil-producing countries will take part in the 2nd Niger Delta Games, which are being organized by Edo State.

The gathering that will include 17 different sports, such as soccer and a cultural evening, is scheduled to take place from February 20 to 27.

The gathering is supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The chairman of Dunamis Icons Limited, the organizers of the Niger Delta Games (NDGs), Itiako Ikpokpo, revealed this on Wednesday in Benin City, during a discussion with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

He mentioned that competing athletes, who must not be older than 20 years, should be natives of the competing countries.

Ikpokpo suggested that initiatives should focus on bringing talent scouting to the grassroots level in order to identify more athletic talents for the nation, emphasizing that grassroots activities occur at the local government level.

He highlighted that the States are not providing sufficient support for sports development, noting that the financial allocations for sports by the States within the federation fall significantly short of what is needed to enhance sports growth.

We should return to school sports to uncover more young talents for the nation. It is important to raise the level of discussion about sports within the country.

“The reason sports hasn’t turned into a major revenue source is due to the way administrators are handling it,” Ikpokpo stated.

He stated it was disgraceful that cheating continues to be tolerated throughout the nation in sports, calling for everyone to unite and combat this issue.

The Dunamis Icons boss, who responded to queries from reporters, urged the NFF to consider venues other than Uyo Stadium for hosting international football competitions and to visit the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, which he claimed is equally suitable to Uyo Stadium.