Nigeria Focuses on Young Athletes at Regional Games

A Nigerian state is putting its focus squarely on the future by sending hundreds of young athletes to compete at an upcoming regional competition.

Akwa Ibom State registered 476 athletes and 64 coaches for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, scheduled for February 20-27 in Benin City. Paul Bassey, the state's commissioner for sports, announced the strategy centers on discovering and developing emerging talent rather than just chasing medals.

The registration includes 250 male and 226 female athletes, along with 44 male and 20 female coaches. These competitors will represent Akwa Ibom against eight other states from Nigeria's Niger Delta region.

"While it is important to win as many gold medals as possible at the games, we are also going to be placing a lot of emphasis on unearthing new talents," Bassey explained Saturday. The state deliberately registered teenagers and youngsters to comply with eligibility rules while building depth for future competitions.

Cathrine Ewa, the state's director of coaching, confirmed all athlete and coach profiles were successfully uploaded to the central registration portal before Friday's deadline. States are now conducting trials to finalize their traveling rosters.

The Ripple Effect

This approach could transform how regional sports competitions operate across Nigeria. By prioritizing development over winning, Akwa Ibom is investing in athletes who could represent the country at national and international levels for years to come.

The Niger Delta Games provides a platform for nine states to collaborate on sports development in the region. Akwa Ibom hosted the inaugural edition in April 2024, setting the stage for what organizers hope becomes an annual tradition of athletic excellence and youth empowerment.

The strategy reflects a broader understanding that sustainable sports success requires patient investment in young talent. These young athletes gain invaluable competitive experience while coaches identify future stars who might otherwise go undiscovered.

Building a deep pool of talented athletes strengthens not just one state's sports programs but contributes to Nigeria's overall athletic development. The next Olympic champion or world record holder could emerge from this regional competition.