In a bid to identify and nurture the next generation of sporting talents from the Niger Delta region, the organizers of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) have put together a team of renowned coaches and scouts to oversee the scouting and mentorship process.
Leading the charge is Gabriel Okon, a seasoned athletics coach and Olympian, who will head the athletics team. Okon, who has guided Nigeria’s national team to numerous international competitions, brings a wealth of expertise to the initiative. Also joining him is Anthony Konyegwachi, another Olympian and national team coach, who will take charge of the boxing team.
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In volleyball, the festival has secured the services of national women’s coach Rakiya Mohammed, alongside respected coaches Anthony Oghuma and Imoudu Francis. Former Nigerian basketball star Owhe John will spearhead basketball scouting, while national team coach Emmanuel Emefuna will oversee swimming events. Tennis responsibilities will be handled by Odey Anthony, while international football scout Paul Omonoma will lead football scouting.
Each sporting discipline will have experienced national team coaches and scouts actively evaluating young athletes throughout the festival.
Chairman of the Scouting and Mentorship Committee, Godwin Enakhena, expressed appreciation for the support of former Olympic champions Daniel Igali, Yussuff Alli, and former Nigerian tennis star Prof. Sadiq Abdullahi, who played in major Grand Slams, for their role in recommending top coaching talents for the event.
“With this elite team of coaches and scouts, we are confident in our ability to discover and develop the next generation of superstars from the Niger Delta region,” Enakhena stated.
Powered by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the NDSF aims to provide a competitive platform for young athletes in the region. With this lineup of top-tier mentors and scouts, the festival is set to fulfill its mission of producing the next wave of sporting stars for the Niger Delta and Nigeria
