Ondo Coaches Urged to Choose Top Athletes for Niger Delta Games

In an effort to enhance the performance at the upcoming Niger Delta Games (NDG), the Ondo State Liaison Committee has tasked coaches from the 17 sports disciplines with the responsibility of presenting only the most skilled athletes to represent the state.

The 2nd Niger Delta Games are scheduled to occur in Benin,

**

[Edo State

](https://edostate.gov.ng/)

** , from February 20 to 27.

Henry Babatunde, the Secretary of the Committee, emphasized this directive during a meeting with the coaches held at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure.

Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, these Games are organized by Dunamis-Icon Limited.

Mr. Babatunde encouraged the coaches to ramp up training as they prepare for trials, highlighting the need for athletes to bolster their competitive capabilities. He expressed his gratitude to the coaches for enrolling a significant number of athletes.

"We must intensify training, even if trials have not begun. The athletes attending the trials need to be well-prepared for the challenges ahead," he noted.

He called on the coaches to avoid favoritism during the selection process to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of potential candidates.

A committee member, Akintunde Akinsemola, urged all coaches to utilize the medical team's services to monitor athletes' health.

"Make sure to have the medical team conduct basic health checks on your athletes from their arrival until they leave for Benin. Be observant and communicate any irregularities to our medical personnel," he said.

Additionally, he reminded the coaches to ensure their athletes possess their National Identification Numbers and other necessary documentation required for pre-competition screenings.

Evelyn Lebi, the newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council and also part of the committee, pledged that all objectives discussed would be diligently followed up to achieve an outstanding performance at the Games. She thanked the coaches for their timely registrations and commitment to preparation.