By Silvernews
Athletes trooped out in large numbers on the second day of Akwa Ibom State trials for the selection of athletes ahead of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games.
The Nest of Champions and West Itam Sports Centre witnessed impressive participation from athletes, officials and spectators, as four sports – boxing, handball, volleyball and basketball – took centre stage.
At the Nest of Champions, where boxing events were held, spectators were thrilled by outstanding performances from Jedidiah Bassey and Princewill Itoro.
Competing in the men’s 60–65kg category, both pugilists displayed remarkable punching accuracy, footwork, agility and composure, drawing admiration from the audience, including the Chairman of the State Liaison Committee for the Games and Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
Speaking on the sidelines of the trials, Bassey lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), sponsors of the Games, as well as Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the event, for providing a platform for talent discovery.
He noted that the competition aligns with the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, particularly in the area of grassroots sports development.
“The administration of Governor Umo Eno places high premium on talent identification and grassroots sports development,” Bassey said. “The objectives of this competition align perfectly with the policy thrust of the ARISE Agenda. I commend the NDDC and Dunamis-Icon Limited for organising a competition that is beneficial to athletes and the state.”
Meanwhile, West Itam Sports Centre hosted trials in handball, volleyball and basketball, with all registered athletes actively participating in the exercise.
One of the participants, Godswill Edet, a volleyball player and SS2 student of West Itam Secondary School, expressed optimism about his chances.
“I am delighted to be part of these trials and I look forward to making my parents and Akwa Ibom State proud when the main Games begin,” he said.
Also speaking, Esther Idongesit, an SS3 student of Community Secondary Commercial School, Ibiaku Itam, said she hopes to build a professional career in handball.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Akwa Ibom in a major competition, and I hope to become a world-class handball player in the future,” she said.
Team Akwa Ibom, which finished sixth at the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games, will be aiming for an improved performance when the second edition holds from February 20 to 27 in Edo State.
