Niger Delta Sports Festival Scouting and Mentorship Committee to unearth next generation talents
By Nnamdi Okosieme
The Scouting and Mentorship Committee of the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) will unearth young talents from the games billed to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8, 2025, Godwin Enakhena, Chairman of the committee has stated.
Enakhena said the committee is committed to discovering talents who will replace globally renowned sports icons like Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Austine Jay Jay Okocha and many others.
He said aside discovering new athletes for Nigeria, the Niger Delta region will regain its position as the number one sports hub in the country.
“The Festival is more than just a sporting event. It is a platform for empowering the youth, promoting peace and unity, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our region. By participating in the festival, individuals are contributing to a brighter future for the Niger Delta. This is where passion meets opportunity, showcasing the region’s culture, empowering its youth, and uniting the region in celebration”, Enakhena said.
He added that the committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the best athletes competing in the 17 sporting events at the festival are selected by a group of professionals comprising local and foreign coaches and scouts.
“This Herculean task requires a collaborative effort to identify and showcase the region’s budding talents. The selected athletes will tell the story of the success of the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival and the talents that abound in the region”, Enakhena said.
Enakhena who has successfully midwifed football and sports teams in Nigeria added that the NDSF will afford the Niger Delta region the opportunity to regain its number one position in sports, not only as a reservoir of talents but to dominate sports in Nigeria like it used to in the past.
He said in carrying out this assignment, the committee will work as a unit, ensuring that standards are not compromised across board. He stated that only the very best athletes would be picked and showcased to the world through the aid of technology and the invitation of foreign scouts to Nigeria during the event.
Enakhena commended the NDSF Main Organizing committee(MOC) for appointing Nigerian sports icons like Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba and Blessing Oborodudu to lead a strong field of accomplished athletes as the Festival Ambassadors to mentor and inspire the upcoming athletes.
Other members of the committee are Mrs. Aniekan Ibezim, Engr. Uwanna Jacob, George Essien who will act as spokesperson, Anthony Alabra Ojo, Paul Omamomo and Okah Akpotha Fidelis.
