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The Scouting and Mentorship Committee of the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) is gearing up to identify and showcase the region’s most promising young athletes. Scheduled to take place from April 1 to 8 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the festival aims to restore the Niger Delta’s status as Nigeria’s leading sports hub PeakNews Online reports.
Chairman of the committee, Godwin Enakhena, emphasized the festival’s role in discovering new talent capable of succeeding Nigerian sports icons such as Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekuoroye, and Austine “Jay-Jay” Okocha. Beyond talent discovery, the event is envisioned as a platform for youth empowerment, peace promotion, and cultural celebration.
“The committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the best athletes from the 17 sporting events at the festival are identified by a team of professionals, including local and foreign coaches and scouts,” Enakhena stated. “This is a collaborative effort to highlight the immense talent in the region and tell the success story of the inaugural NDSF.”
Enakhena, a seasoned sports journalist and football administrator, expressed confidence that the festival would reclaim the Niger Delta’s dominance in Nigerian sports. He assured that the selection process would maintain the highest standards, with technology and international scouting networks aiding in showcasing the athletes to the world.
Commending the NDSF Main Organizing Committee, Enakhena lauded the appointment of Nigerian sports legends Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Blessing Oborodudu as Festival Ambassadors, tasked with mentoring and inspiring the next generation.
Other members of the Scouting and Mentorship Committee include Mrs. Aniekan Ibezim, Engr. Uwanna Jacob, George Essien (spokesperson), Anthony Alabra Ojo, Paul Omamomo, and Okah Akpotha Fidelis.
With an expert-driven scouting process and the support of renowned athletes, the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival is set to leave a lasting impact on Nigerian sports.
