2nd Niger Delta Games: Scouts Hunt for Next Generation of Sporting Icons
The second edition of the Niger Delta Games has entered its third day in Benin, Edo State, with the Scouting Committee intensifying efforts to identify the next generation of star athletes from the region.
Chairman of the committee, Godwin Enakhena, alongside his team, has been moving across venues from morning until evening, closely monitoring events and working with the screening committee to ensure that genuine talents are discovered.
Enakhena emphasized the committee’s mission to uncover future champions who could follow in the footsteps of Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen, Nwankwo Kanu, Efe Ajagba, Blessing Okagbare, and Ese Brume.
He made this remark on Sunday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where he joined a group of former athletics stars including Mary Onyali, Henry Amike, Gabriel Okon, Gabriel Opuama, and Enefiok Udo-Obong.
He expressed satisfaction with the work of the screening committee, noting that only true U-20 athletes are participating in Benin City.
According to him, the scouts are being meticulous in identifying the most promising talents showcased at the Games, a process that drew cheers from spectators after the 400m hurdles final.
Reflecting on the inaugural edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Enakhena recalled that 644 athletes were identified as having the potential to thrive in the future. He believes that number could be surpassed this year, as more states are embracing the vision of grassroots talent discovery.
To achieve this, experienced coaches and scouts have been assembled: Blessing Oborodudu leads the wrestling scouts, Rolake Olagbegi-Kassim heads tennis, and Victor Ezeji, the longest-serving NPFL player, oversees football scouting.
The Niger Delta Games, organized by Dunamis-Icon Limited under Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is designed to provide a platform for states in the region to discover, test, and nurture indigenous talents into national and international champions.
