Technical Committee Co-Chairman of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), Enefiok Udo-Obong, has reiterated the eligibility rules for athletes ahead of the inaugural regional sports event set to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1-9.
Speaking during a virtual review meeting with the Technical/Facilities Committee and State Liaison members, Udo-Obong emphasized that only athletes under 25 years old from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) mandate states are eligible to compete.
However, he clarified that while professional footballers and league boxers are excluded, Para sports will have no age limit. Additionally, Olympians under 25 will be allowed to participate.
With registration numbers rising, Udo-Obong disclosed that athletics has the highest number of entries, followed by football and Para athletics. Delta State currently leads in athlete registration, with Ondo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Edo following closely.
He further revealed that the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) Co-Chairman, Itiako Ikpokpo, has approved rewards for the top three states in the registration rankings. Encouraging states to intensify their registration efforts before the February 28 deadline, Udo-Obong hinted that an additional reward awaits the state with the highest entries.
The NDSF, sponsored by the NDDC, will feature over 3,000 athletes competing across 17 selected sports, marking a significant milestone as Nigeria’s first regional sports festival.
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