Sports

NDDC Committed to Developing Athletes Discovered at NDSF

Published

3 weeks ago

April 6, 2025

Joel Ajayi

A new approach to grassroots sports development will see athletes discovered at the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) undergo periodical camping where scientific methods of training would be applied.

Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the festival dropped the hint at a media parley with Journalists covering the games and said over 60 athletes have already been spotted as at Day 4.

“This festival is not about who came first or who won gold. Our Scouts are looking out for hints of potential, quality that can be groomed for future success “, Ikpokpo responded to a question about objectives of the festival.

He said the Scouts made up of Coaches, former athletes and Scouts have so far submitted 64 names and most of them were not those that came first or second.

“We seek to set up camps for the identified athletes with a view to putting them through scientific research based training supervised by certified Coaches”, added Ikpokpo who is the lead Consultant for the project.

o design and implement the plan to nuture the talents discovered here to go on and replace those who have been representing Nigeria”, he added.

Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of its mandate to improve living conditions of people of the nine mandate states, the NDSF had about 3000 athletes and 500 officials competing in 17 sports.

It began on April 1 and will end on April 8 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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Sports

Gwagwalada and AMAC Set for Historic Showdown in FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Tournament Final

Published

13 hours ago

April 26, 2025

The Gleamer

The stage is set for a historic climax to the maiden edition of the FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Football Tournament, as Gwagwalada Women Team and AMAC Women Team prepare to face off in the grand finale on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the FIFA Goal Project, National Stadium Package B, Abuja.

The tournament, which kicked off on April 10, 2025, has ignited fresh momentum for girl-child empowerment through sports and will reach its exciting conclusion after weeks of spirited competition that have unearthed remarkable talents and passion across the Federal Capital Territory.

In the semifinals held earlier on Wednesday, Gwagwalada defeated Kuje 2-1, while AMAC triumphed over Kwali 3-0, securing their places in the final.

The third-place match between Kuje Women Team and Kwali Women Team will kick off proceedings at 2:00 p.m., immediately followed by the much-anticipated final between Gwagwalada and AMAC at 3:00 p.m.

Pat Ajuma Ayegba, FCT FA Board Member, expressed profound satisfaction with the journey so far, praising the collective effort that has brought the vision to life.

Having earlier redeemed her ₦720,000 pledge to support all six participating teams, Ayegba lauded the leadership of the FCT FA, especially the Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, for championing grassroots development.

“This tournament has been a dream realized. I must sincerely commend the leadership of the FCT FA, particularly our Chairman, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, for believing in this vision and investing heavily to make it a reality,” said Ayegba, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee and sponsor of the tournament.

“When we invest in young girls, we invest in stronger communities, brighter futures, and a better society. Watching the pride, excitement, and determination on the faces of these young players has been my greatest reward.

“We are not just discovering football talents; we are shaping future leaders. I encourage everyone — families, football lovers, and members of the community — to come out and support these amazing young ladies as they chase their dreams in the final. Your presence and cheers will mean the world to them.”

In another exciting development, some of the outstanding players from the tournament will be selected to join the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Female U15 National Team, offering a golden opportunity for them to launch their national careers.

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, dignitaries from the football fraternity, government circles, and the wider community are expected to grace Sunday’s grand finale, where history will be made and the first-ever champions of the FCT FA Inter-Area Councils Women’s Football Tournament will be crowned.

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