Team Delta has emerged the dominant force at the South-South Zonal Elimination of the National Intermediate Games, securing qualification in 14 team sports to finish top of the regional qualifiers ahead of the national championship.
Delta’s impressive outing saw the state finish first with 14 qualified teams, while Bayelsa and Rivers States followed with seven teams each in second and third positions respectively.
Akwa Ibom and Cross River States secured three qualifications each to place fourth and fifth, while Edo State finished sixth with two teams.
The feat represents a major boost to the grassroots sports development drive of the Delta State Sports Commission, under its Chairman, Onoriode Oborevwori, and reinforces the state’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting hubs.
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Team Delta recorded qualifications across a broad range of disciplines, including Cross River (Female and Mixed Doubles), Basketball (Male and Female), Beach Volleyball (Male and Female), Cricket (Female), Football (Male and Female), Handball (Female), Hockey (Male), Rugby (Male and Female), and Volleyball (Male).
The sweeping performance reflects the depth of sporting talent in the state and the increasing emphasis on grassroots talent identification, development and exposure to competitive sporting environments.
Delta’s athletes reportedly combined tactical discipline, physical strength and competitive resilience throughout the zonal championship, overcoming stiff opposition from other South-South states to secure their tickets to the national stage.
The qualification also provides further evidence of the sports development vision being pursued by the state sports commission, particularly its focus on discovering and nurturing young talents capable of competing successfully at national and international levels.
Under the leadership of Oborevwori, the commission has continued to place emphasis on grassroots development as a pipeline for producing athletes who can represent Delta and Nigeria at major competitions.
With the South-South hurdle cleared, attention has now shifted to the National Intermediate Games, where Team Delta will seek to convert its impressive zonal performance into medals and podium finishes.
The commission has assured the athletes and coaches of continued support as preparations for the national championship intensify, with the contingent expected to build on the momentum generated by its dominant performance in the South-South qualifiers.
For Delta, the objective is now clear: to go beyond qualification, compete for honours and further cement the state’s status as a powerhouse of Nigerian sports.
