Team Delta, at the weekend, delivered a commanding performance at the South-South Zonal Elimination of the National Intermediate Games, securing qualification in 14 team sports.

While Team Delta emerged overall winner with 14 spots, Bayelsa and Rivers states picked seven spots respectively, just as Akwa Ibom and host Cross River got three spots to occupy fourth and fifth positions on the table. Edo State secured just two spots to occupy the last position on the table.

Although the National Intermediate Games, which is to be hosted by Lagos State, has been postponed till 2027, the National Sports Commission (NSC) insisted the zonal elimination should hold across the country.

Delta athletes were successful in Abula (female and mixed doubles), basketball (male and female), beach volleyball (male and female), cricket (female), football (male and female), handball (male), hockey (male), rugby (male and female), and volleyball (male).

The breadth of the qualification reflects the depth of talent available to Delta State across multiple sporting disciplines, with the athletes combining tactical discipline, physical intensity and competitive resilience throughout the elimination series.

A member of Delta State contingent to the zonal elimination in Calabar, Festus Ohwojero told The Guardian yesterday that beyond the results, the performance represents another positive step in Delta State’s grassroots sports development programme, particularly in identifying, grooming and exposing young athletes to high level competition.

He said that Team Delta will be looking to build on its South-South showing and translate its zonal success into podium finishes when the National Intermediate Games hold next year.

Ohwojero thanked the athletes, coaches and other officials for their focus and determination in ensuring Delta’s success in Calabar.