The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has called on the Federal Government and sports stakeholders to demonstrate greater commitment to leveraging sports for national unity and creating opportunities for the youth.
Speaking in Benin on Tuesday during the opening of the South-South zonal eliminations for ball games ahead of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Ogun 2025,” Enabulele emphasized the unifying power of sports.
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He described the zonal eliminations as a critical phase in the journey to the National Sports Festival, highlighting that beyond competition, the event fosters friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect among young athletes and sports administrators.
“We must continue to harness the power of sports to unite our youths and build a future filled with opportunities for them,” he said.
Addressing athletes from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States, Enabulele urged them to compete with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.
“You are not just representing your states but also showcasing the strength and talent of the South-South region. Give it your best, and let your performance speak for itself,” he encouraged.
Enabulele also addressed officials and referees, stressing the importance of fairness and professionalism in officiating.
“The credibility of this tournament depends on your integrity. We expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgment to ensure the best teams emerge victorious,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Peter Njoku, revealed that a total of 688 athletes (310 males and 378 females) are participating across eight team events. He expressed confidence that the South-South zone would produce top performers at the National Sports Festival.
Meanwhile, athletes from the six participating states are actively competing across various venues.
In football, Team Edo currently leads with two wins, defeating Bayelsa 3-0 and Delta 3-1 at the Crescent Club Field. The Edo female football team also edged past Delta with a 1-0 victory.
In male handball, Edo secured a 28-21 win over Akwa Ibom.
In cricket, Edo dominated Delta, scoring 109 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs, while Delta managed 47 runs in 15.2 overs in the second innings.
