Former African footballer of the year, Victor IKPEBA has lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis Icon, the consultant of the Niger Delta Games for creating a platform to help in discovering and exposing the abundant talents that abound in the region.
The Sapele born legendary striker averred that the games had become a veritable tool to taking kids off the streets in a supposedly area known recently for unrest, stressing that the Niger Delta Games had become a beacon of hope to Niger Delta youths willing to make life better for themselves and their families through sports.
The Isoko football star, who ruled African football in 1997 , nicknamed the Prince of Monaco because of his exploits in the French Ligue while playing for AS Monaco, averred that the games should be sustained as it was also a tool to sustaining peace in the region while urging other regions to emulate the wonderful initiatives as it would enhance Nigeria’s sports development .
He admonished the young athletes taking part in the games to see it as a platform to get international recognition, urging them to be focused and determined to excel irrespective of whatever position they clinch at the end of the tourney.
The former Olympic gold medallist also assured that he would continue to support the Niger Delta Games and every initiative that would enhance sports development in Nigeria.
Credit:Jude Agbeyeke
