Determined to defend its title at the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, Team Delta showcased its dominance by securing 12 out of 16 available slots in both male and female categories at the South-South zonal eliminations held in Benin City, Edo State.
Read Also: Former Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu Visits NSC, Strengthens Push For Sports Development
Competing against Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, Team Delta excelled across multiple team sports, clinching victories in male and female football, handball, basketball, male volleyball, female and mixed doubles Abula, male and female hockey, and male cricket.
Edo State secured second place with eight qualifications, comprising five female and three male teams. Rivers followed with seven tickets—four in the male category, two in female, and one in mixed doubles. Bayelsa claimed six spots (three male, three female), while Akwa Ibom managed just one, won by its female team. Cross River did not participate in the eliminations.
Commending the athletes and officials, Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, praised the team’s outstanding performance, affirming the state’s readiness to dominate once again at the Gateway Games. However, he cautioned against complacency and stressed the importance of early preparations to maintain Delta’s position as the nation’s top-performing state at the festival.
