Team Delta has provided an explanation for securing second place at the 2nd Niger Delta Games, which concluded yesterday in Benin City. For the second consecutive time, Delta finished behind the top spot, following a second-place finish behind Bayelsa in Uyo last year, and now behind host Edo State.
In a statement released yesterday, Hon. Joshua Onoriode Oborevwori, the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, attributed the outcome to a deliberate change in strategy.
“We attribute this development to the shift in strategy of the Delta State Sports Commission from ‘Sports promotion’ – where winning at all cost and poaching of athletes is the order of the day – to ‘sports development,’” Oborevwori stated. He emphasized that the new focus is on identifying, engaging, and nurturing budding sports talents directly from primary schools, secondary schools, and local communities.
This strategic shift means that while immediate medal counts might be affected, the long-term goal is to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
Oborevwori appealed to stakeholders to understand that while a second-place finish might not meet traditional expectations for Delta State, this new strategy for sports development will ultimately benefit both Delta State and Nigeria in the long run.
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He also announced plans to restructure Sports Associations within the state. This restructuring will ensure that only competent coaches with relevant experience head these associations, moving away from the current practice where seniority is the sole criterion for leadership.
The Chairman commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for the “skillet” (successful organization) of the 2nd Niger Delta Games. He also praised the gallantry of Team Delta athletes and officials. Furthermore, Oborevwori expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering support of the Sports Commission.
