The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC), has achieved a major objective with the identification of numerous young athletes in various events, including football, table tennis, wrestling, and athletics. Over 20 coaches, retired elite athletes, and scouts have been engaged to scout for potentials expected to be groomed and honed to international stardom.

*Promising Talents Spotted*
Francis Sule, a former Nigeria table tennis captain and grassroots coach, expressed his excitement about the talents he has seen at the festival. "I am very impressed with what I have seen on the ground so far. Numerous talents abound in the Niger Delta Region, and I can confidently show you the athletes that will replace Funke Oshinaike, Aruna Quadri, and Bose Kaffo in this festival."

Paul Omamomo, a FIFA-licensed football scout, shared his experience at the festival, saying, "We're faced with the daunting task of picking the very best from the NDSF because of the unbelievable talents that myself, Victor Ikpeba, and the other football scouts have seen here. So I can confidently say that we've found the new Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh, and many more."

*Olympians and Sports Personalities Impressed*
Olympian and United States-based Gabriel Opuana identified a promising shotput thrower, while Olympics silver medalist in wrestling, Blessing Oborududu, expressed her delight at discovering young athletes who will replace her and others.

Mary Onyali, a festival celebrity sports personality, celebrated the initiative, saying, "What we've clamored for over the years is finally being done by the NDDC. I want to thank them for this innovation, thank you NDSF for giving us a platform to identify the country's future athletes."

*Committee Chairman's Commendation*
The chairman of the scouting and mentorship committee, Godwin Enakhena, commended the NDDC for this initiative, stating, "The NDDC deserves our commendation for doing this for the Niger Delta Region. The NDSF is timely because of the poor state of sports development in Nigeria."