Former world-acclaimed athlete and Niger Delta Video games (NDG) ambassador, Ogunkoya, has thrown his weight behind the Niger Delta Video games, describing the initiative as a important pathway to sustainable sports activities growth in Nigeria by way of youth expertise discovery.
Ogunkoya careworn that no nation can construct a robust sporting future with out deliberate funding in figuring out and nurturing younger skills, noting that the NDG’s give attention to grassroots growth locations Nigeria on the fitting trajectory.
“Any nation that ignores youth expertise discovery has not began correct sports activities growth,” Ogunkoya stated. “To start with, the Niger Delta Video games is a well-conceived programme.
Kudos to the organisers for laying emphasis on youth expertise discovery and while you take a look at it, the Niger Delta is a catchment space for sporting skills; every little thing factors to the truth that we’re in the fitting route.”
The previous star athlete, who now dedicates his time to teaching and mentoring younger prospects, confirmed that he shall be presenting a few of his discoveries on the Video games, scheduled to carry from February 20 to 27 in Benin Metropolis, Edo State.
“In fact, I’m bringing a crop of younger athletes from Ondo State, and we’re trying ahead to the video games,” he added.
The Niger Delta Video games will stage its second version with over 1,000 athletes anticipated to compete throughout 17 sporting disciplines, underscoring its rising standing as a serious platform for unearthing future stars.
In the meantime, guide to the NDG and Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Restricted, Itiako Ikpokpo, disclosed that the competitors stays strictly youth-focused, with solely under-20 athletes eligible for registration.
In accordance with him, the age restriction is geared toward guaranteeing the Video games stay true to their core mandate of grassroots expertise discovery and long-term athlete growth.
With seasoned professionals like Ogunkoya lending their experience and credibility, the NDG continues to place itself as a strategic engine for locating and grooming the following era of Nigerian sporting expertise.
