Baskadia

FRED EDOREH

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Institute for Sports (NIS) have commended the upcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival, describing it as a crucial platform for talent discovery and sports development in the region.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau highlighted the festival's potential in unearthing new sporting talents, emphasizing the need for more regional competitions to complement the National Sports Festival.

> “Providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their talents is essential for the growth of sports in Nigeria. Initiatives like the Niger Delta Sports Festival help strengthen grassroots sports development, and we commend the organizers for this visionary step,” Gusau stated.

Similarly, the Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Professor Olawale Moronkola, urged other geopolitical zones to emulate the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) initiative.

> “More competitions mean more talent discovery, which benefits the entire nation. Just as researchers need a variety of samples to improve their findings, more sporting events create better opportunities for identifying and nurturing young athletes,” he explained.

The Nigeria Football Federation has pledged full support for the festival, with Gusau confirming that the federation will be actively involved in technical and developmental aspects, particularly in football.

> “As a responsible sports federation, we are fully committed to supporting the Niger Delta Sports Festival. This aligns with our mission to enhance grassroots football and create pathways for young talents,” he added.

The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival is set to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in April 2025, with over 3,000 athletes, 500 coaches and officials, and 300 media personnel expected to participate.

The event is seen as a strategic move to strengthen sports talent development in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.

Published by: Ettah Emmanuel O.

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