There's something wonderful happening in Nigerian sports, and legendary sprinter Seun Ogunkoya couldn't be more excited about it. The former African 100m champion and national record holder is throwing his full support behind the Niger Delta Games, praising the competition's heartfelt commitment to discovering and nurturing young talent.

"First of all, the Niger Delta Games is a well-conceived programme," shared Ogunkoya, who serves as an ambassador for the games. His enthusiasm is palpable as he explains why this initiative matters so much. "Kudos to the organisers for laying emphasis on youth talent discovery, and when you even look at it, the Niger Delta is a catchment area for sporting talents. Everything points to the fact that we are in the right direction."

For Ogunkoya, who enjoyed a stellar career as a world-acclaimed athlete, the importance of youth development cannot be overstated. He emphasized that any country serious about sports development must prioritize discovering young talent, and Nigeria is doing exactly that through this competition.

The second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled for February 20 to 27 in Benin City, Edo State capital, promises to be an extraordinary showcase of youthful energy and potential. Over 3,000 athletes will compete across 17 different sports disciplines, creating opportunities for young people throughout the region to shine.

What makes this competition particularly special is its dedicated focus on youth. According to Itiako Ikpokpo, Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, the games' organizers, only athletes under 20 years of age will be eligible to register. This intentional decision ensures that the spotlight remains on developing the next generation of sporting champions.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of the Niger Delta Games extends far beyond the competition itself. By creating a dedicated platform for young athletes, the games are fostering hope and opportunity in communities throughout the Niger Delta region. Young people who might never have had the chance to showcase their abilities now have a stage to demonstrate their potential.

Ogunkoya, who has devoted his post-competition years to coaching young talents, is putting his money where his mouth is. He'll be bringing a group of promising young athletes from Ondo State to participate in the games. "Of course, I'm bringing a crop of young athletes from Ondo State, and we are looking forward to the games," he said warmly.

The champion's involvement speaks volumes about the games' credibility and potential impact. When someone of Ogunkoya's stature invests time and energy into an initiative, it signals that something truly meaningful is taking place.

For Nigeria, a country blessed with athletic potential, initiatives like the Niger Delta Games represent a crucial investment in the future. By identifying talented young athletes early and providing them with competitive opportunities, the country is building a pipeline of sporting excellence that could yield champions for years to come.

As these thousands of young athletes prepare to compete in Benin City this February, they're not just running, jumping, or playing. They're stepping into possibilities, writing new stories, and proving that when you invest in youth, everyone wins.