Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Niger Delta Sports Festival, billed for April 2025.
Elegbeleye also endorsed the nine Festival Ambassadors unveiled by the organisers, describing them as worthy representatives of the region’s sporting excellence.
The Ondo-born football administrator lauded the selection of former Olympic gold medalists Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke, Kanu Nwankwo, and Enefiok Udo-Obong, noting that their pedigree lends credibility to the initiative.
“The organisers could not have made a better choice than these sports icons, who have made Nigeria proud at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and other world championships,” Elegbeleye remarked.
He recalled the crucial roles played by Kanu, Ikpeba, and Amuneke in securing Nigeria’s historic football gold at the 1996 Olympics, as well as Udo-Obong’s heroic anchor leg in the 4x400m relay, which earned Nigeria another gold in Sydney 2000.
The NPFL boss further highlighted Blessing Oborodudu’s Olympic silver medal feat in wrestling and the long-standing 100m sprint record held by Seun Ogunkoya since 1998, underscoring their contributions to Nigerian sports.
He also commended the inclusion of Paralympic star and coach Patience Igbiti, who clinched medals at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games.
“Patience’s consistency in powerlifting earned her multiple Olympic medals before she transitioned into coaching,” Elegbeleye noted.
He stressed that former World Youth Athletics record holder Tamunosiki Atorubido and ex-Super Falcons midfielder Efioanwan Ekpo were equally deserving of their ambassadorial roles.
Urging the organisers to extend similar recognition to other outstanding athletes from the Niger Delta, Elegbeleye emphasised the need to celebrate those who exhibited resilience and commitment in their prime.