What was meant to be just another zonal qualifier turned into a benchmark for excellence, as the National Sports Commission (NSC) singled out Edo State for delivering what is now being dubbed “the best-organized South/South Zonal Elimination” in recent memory.
At the heart of this achievement is Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, whose strategic planning and inclusive leadership earned a glowing endorsement from the federal body.
In a letter signed by Mr. Peter Njoku, South/South Coordinator of the NSC, Edo’s hosting of the elimination event ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta was celebrated not merely for its smooth logistics, but also for its impact on team morale and regional sports development.
Observers say the success of the zonal elimination is a reflection of Edo State’s renewed commitment to sports as a tool for youth engagement, state branding, and national unity. Beyond the praise, insiders believe this recognition is part of a broader repositioning of the state as Nigeria’s sports capital.
“This was not just about winning games—it was about winning hearts, fostering unity, and setting a new standard,” one official remarked at the sidelines of the tournament.
Hon. Enabulele, responding to the commendation, said the success belonged to the entire Edo sports ecosystem—from the government to athletes, volunteers, and fans. “We are proud of what we have done, but we are more excited about what lies ahead,” he said, pledging deeper investment in grassroots sports.
Analysts believe that with Edo’s current momentum, the state may not only excel in the Gateway Games but also redefine its national sports profile.
