Coach Nelly Orisakwe has made history by leading Team Delta Women to a remarkable victory at the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF). Her leadership and tactical brilliance guided the team to dominate the competition, showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and unity. This win sets a new benchmark in women’s football, as she has won every competition she has participated in over the last two years with the Imo Strikes Queens across the country.

This historic achievement not only highlights her outstanding coaching abilities but also shines a light on the rising talent and resilience of athletes with hearing impairments.

The triumph is particularly significant as it represents a turning point for women’s football in Nigeria. Coach Orisakwe’s success is inspiring a new generation of female coaches and athletes, proving that excellence knows no barriers. Her accomplishments with Team Delta Women underscore the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports, paving the way for greater national recognition.

Heartland FC may have secured a hard-fought result against Kano Pillars on Matchday 32 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), but the spotlight shone brightly on veteran midfielder and Pillars captain, Rabiu Ali.

Following the intense encounter held in Owerri, Heartland FC head coach, Emmanuel Amunike, took a moment to heap praise on the legendary figure of Nigerian football.

Speaking to journalists post-match, Amunike described Rabiu Ali as “a symbol of consistency, leadership, and passion,” adding that the midfielder’s performance on the day was “nothing short of inspirational.”

“Rabiu Ali is not just a captain; he’s an institution in the NPFL,” Amunike stated. “Even at this stage of his career, he remains one of the most intelligent players on the pitch. His influence, vision, and composure continue to uplift his team.”

The match, which ended with both sides battling intensely for points, saw Ali play a pivotal role in dictating play and motivating his teammates throughout the 90 minutes.

Ali, fondly known as “Pele” by fans, has spent over a decade as a mainstay in the Kano Pillars squad and remains one of the league’s most respected and celebrated figures.

Coach Amunike’s comments only reinforce the widespread admiration for the player, whose legacy in the NPFL continues to grow with every match.

By Ahize Anthony

In a remarkable show of support for grassroots sports and youth development, Honourable Dr. Obioma Okorie (Nwa Ji Ugo Nnaya), popularly known as the “Dangote of Oru,” has donated the sum of one million Naira to support interactive academy and secondary school sports competition in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, The Statesman Newspaper can exclusively report.

The philanthropic gesture was made during the grand finale of the interactive academic and sports competition organized by the Imo State Secondary Education Management Board in partnership with the Oru West Local Government Council. The event, which took place at the Oru West LGA Headquarters in Mgbidi on the 3rd of April 2025, drew participation from secondary schools across Oru West, Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, and Oru East local government areas which made up the federal constituency in the zone.

The sports competition saw enthusiastic participation from students who thrilled guests with a colorful match pass, traditional dances, and spirited athletic contests. The large turnout of students, teachers, principals, and dignitaries underscored the significance of sports in fostering unity and talent development within the educational sector.

Speaking during the event which he chaired, Dr. Okorie, the Ozaa community illustrious son, who is also the CEO of Obioma Enterprises, expressed his joy at being part of the initiative aimed at nurturing the talents of young people through sports.

“I am honoured to be called upon to chair this occasion in Oru West where I hail from. It is indeed a privilege for me. I am here to show support and solidarity, and we will look at more ways we can support this kids so we can catch them young and help them become useful to our society,” Dr. Okorie stated.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Okorie made the cash donation of one million Naira to support the sports competition in schools across Oru West, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

Also present at the event were Honourable Ikenna Adikibe, Chairman of Oru West Local Government, top officials of the Local Government Executive Council, the Executive Secretary and members of the Imo State Secondary School Management Board, as well as directors of education, principals, teachers, and students from the region.

Dr. Okorie’s latest donation adds to his growing portfolio of philanthropic efforts aimed at uplifting the youth and promoting educational and social growth in his community. His consistent support continues to cement his reputation as a leading light in both business and politics within Oru West and beyond.

The initiative is expected to further encourage sports participation among students and help identify and nurture talents that can represent the state and nation in the future.

Team Imo delivered an impressive performance on Day 5 of the 2025 National Sports Festival (NDSF), clinching multiple medals across various sports disciplines.

In Para Athletics, Imo’s athlete earned a Silver medal in Shotput, demonstrating resilience and strength.

Boxing brought more glory to the team as the male contender in the 81kg category secured a Bronze medal after a hard-fought bout.

In the Swimming events, Team Imo scooped two Bronze medals: one in the 100m Backstroke (Male) and another in the 200m Breaststroke (Male), adding to the team’s medal haul in aquatic sports.

The state celebrated a major victory in Scrabble, where its female representative claimed the Gold medal in the Singles category, showcasing sharp mental skills and strategic mastery.

Wrestling also yielded results with a Bronze medal in the 50kg category.

In Traditional Wrestling, Team Imo continued to make waves:

• Three Silver medals were won in the 55kg and 90kg Male categories, and in the 70kg Female category.
• Additionally, two Bronze medals were secured in the 55kg and 70kg Female categories.

Team Imo’s athletes continue to show grit, talent, and determination as the competition progresses.

Regardless of how one perceives it or the interpretations given to sports and their benefits, sports undeniably remain a powerful tool for social inclusion and the promotion of overall well-being. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) 2025 is scheduled to be celebrated globally on April 6, 2025, under the theme “Leveling the Playing Field: Sports for Social Inclusion.” Observed annually on April 6, the IDSDP recognizes the transformative power of sports in driving positive change, breaking down barriers, and transcending boundaries.

In his book Perspectives in Sports Development, Ebere Amaraizu describes sports as one of the most vital human activities, characterized by its multifaceted nature. As a competitive endeavor, sports cultivate a spirit of resilience—whether in victory or defeat—that mirrors essential qualities in business and life. Beyond competition, sports foster relationships among participants, both direct and indirect, sustaining hope for success in the present and future. Additionally, sports enhance cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities, contributing to holistic personal development.

*Sports and Social Inclusion*
Social inclusion through sports refers to the process of enhancing participation in society by leveraging sports as a tool. This involves improving the opportunities, abilities, and dignity of individuals and groups disadvantaged by their identity. Sports play a pivotal role in promoting equal opportunities and building inclusive societies. By bringing people together in play, sports dismantle barriers, forge connections, and unite individuals across ages, languages, religions, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They promote gender inclusivity, support both physically able and disabled individuals, and bridge divides between the wealthy and the less privileged, as well as political leaders and their constituents. Indeed, sports are widely regarded as a unifying force.

*Sports, Mental Health, and Inclusion*
Participation in inclusive sports significantly contributes to mental wellness by fostering social connections that elevate mood, reduce stress, combat isolation, and enhance social inclusion. Raising mental health awareness through sports can break down barriers, creating environments where diverse groups build trust, challenge cultural and social stigmas, and strengthen community ties. Sports provide opportunities for interaction, teamwork, and the development of meaningful relationships, all of which bolster mental well-being.

*Olympic Values and Inclusivity*
The Olympic values—excellence, respect, and friendship—underpin the ethos of sports inclusivity. These principles envision a world where everyone can engage in sports without discrimination, fostering unity and mutual understanding through shared experiences. Rooted in a philosophy that integrates body, will, and mind, the Olympic movement promotes a way of life grounded in joy, positive role modeling, social responsibility, and respect for human rights.
As the world unites to celebrate the IDSDP, we must recognize the strength of sports as a unifying force that celebrates diversity, builds bridges, promotes fair play, and ensures no one is left behind. Sports transcend differences in language, race, culture, economic status, education, politics, religion, and gender, offering a platform for social inclusion, diversity, and equality for all—whether advantaged or disadvantaged. Governments, individuals, industry leaders, and faith-based organizations should seize this opportunity to establish high-performance community sports centers as hubs for engagement and development. Incentives for certified coaches, along with regular sports festivals, should be prioritized to bolster community sports frameworks and unlock socioeconomic opportunities. Sports, after all, have the potential to enhance the revenue base of societies, states, and nations.

*About the Author*
Coach Ebere Amaraizu is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coach, a U.S. Government IVLP alumnus, and an Olympic sports administrator and manager. A graduate of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), he has served as a board member and South East Zonal Director of the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), General Manager of Crime Busters FC Enugu, Chairman of the Enugu State Taekwondo Association, and Chairman of the Enugu State Boxing Association. Coach Amaraizu is a prolific author, with works including Perspectives in Sports Development and Sports as a Problem-Solving Tool. He currently chairs the Rangers International FC Foundation and serves as Lead Consultant at the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation.

Director General of the Edo State Sports Commission, Ugoeze Sabina Chikere has lauded the organizers of the 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).

In an interview with Silvernews.com.ng, the astute administrator said the sporting fiesta will help develop sports in the country and churn our talents.

According to her, “I am happy with the organizers. With what I am seeing here, if others can emulate NDDC and put up something like this, it will go a long way to help sports in Nigeria because what we really need is developing new talents.

“There are so many people out there and we need people that will step into the shoes of these elite athletes. With a sports like this, we will be able to harness what NDDC wants to do by going into development.

“Kudos to NDDC and the consultants handling this. I know that as time goes on, there will be great improvements that will translate to improvement of sports in Nigeria.”

The ongoing NDSF is packed with thrilling action across various disciplines, from intense indoor competitions at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to exciting football, combat sports, and team events as well as aquatic contests in swimming and canoeing.

Managing Consultant of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, teed off the Golf Kitty organised in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

This is even as the organisers rev up preparations for the Cultural Expo with the stage being rigged and rehearsals commenced.

Held at the Ibom Golf and Country Club on Saturday (April 5) morning, on the sidelines of the sports competitions, the event is part of the community engagement activities of the festival to foster social networking.

Over 130 golfers are in the kitty with members of the Main and Local Organising Committees of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in attendance.

“The NDSF project sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was designed to achieve multipurpose objectives of discovering and nurturing athletes, forter regional integration and engaging our host community.

“We have also provided opportunity for games demonstration towards bringing them in when the next edition holds. Cricket and Rugby are such games and we will keep redesigning the festival concept to accommodate more sports”, Ikpokpo told Journalists at the event.

The festival also incorporated a Cultural Expo that will hold on April 7 and a number of upcoming entertainers from the nine mandate states will be on parade for comedy, music and masters of ceremony.

Edi Lawani, the country’s leading entertainment impresario said the Cultural Expo is a community engagement platform to provide the people of Akwa Ibom State, the festival community and tourists a time to wind down.

“Over 40 artistes will be on parade as we provide music, comedy, dance and food court for everyone in Uyo to feel the sports festival atmosphere outside the competition venues and make new social and business friends”, the thickly Lawani said dorning his trademark shorts and backpack.

“Just as the NDSF is poised to discover new talents in sports, the cultural expo of the NDSF is equally designed to give a boost to and uplift young upcoming talents in the creative industry”, Lawani further stated.

Established talents like Comedian Delstalker and Singer Humble Smith are billed to perform to give inspiration and mentorship to the assembled young talents.

He said emphasis has also been placed on gender inclusiveness as there are female artistes, female Disc Jockeys and a female red carpet host who are set take their place of pride at the event.

The Expo night which holds at the popular Unity Park also known as the Christmas Village, will enjoy the full compliment of exotic show lighting display and large screen format projection.

Picture… (left) Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the NDSF Managing Consultant and Isua Archibong, Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club