6 hours ago
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The Executive Chairman,Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has urged the Federal Government and all the sports stakeholders to show more commitment in harnessing the power of sports for national unity and build a future filled with opportunities for the youths.
He stated this on Tuesday in Benin, while declaring open the South-South zonal eliminations for ball games ahead of the National Sports Festival, tagged, “Ogun 2025”.
Enabulele noted that sports have always been a powerful tool for unity, discipline, and youth empowerment, stressing
He described the zonal elimination games as a crucial stage on the journey to the National Sports Festival.
“As we gather here today, let us remember that beyond competition, this event is an opportunity to foster friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect among our young athletes and sports administrators in our zone and country.
“We must continue to harness the power of sports to unite our youths and build a future filled with opportunities for them.
“To our athletes from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta State, I urge you 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,” Enabulele said.
Addressing officials and referees of the competition, the Edo Sports Commission boss emphasized the importance of fair play and impartiality in officiating.
“The credibility of this tournament depends on your integrity, and we expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgment to ensure that the best teams emerge victorious,” he said.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of National Sports Commission, Peter Njoku, revealed that a total of 688 (310 males and 378 females) athletes are competing in the eight team events.
Njoku expressed the confidence that athletes from the South-South will emerge winners at the National Sports Festival proper.
Athletes from the six States of the South-South zone, namely, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers Akwa Ibom and Cross River, are currently busy at various centers participating in the elimination.
In football, team Edo is currently ahead with two victories after recording 3-0 and 3-1 results against Bayelsa and Delta states respectively at the Crescent Club Field.
In the female category of football,team Edo girls piped Delta State 1-0.
In Handball (Male),Edo beat Akwa Ibom 28 -21.
In the game of Cricket,Edo defeated team Delta(Male) by 109 runs for the loss of 5 wicket at the end of 20.0 overs against Delta’s 47 runs for the loss of 15.2 overs in the second innings.
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