Delta State has clinched victory in the Basic Education School Sports Competition, emerging national champions at the tournament sponsored by the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) and the National School Sport Federation (NSSF) in Abuja.
The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Mariere, today received the victorious team in Asaba when they paid him a courtesy visit to formally present the National Championship Cup.
Delta State was crowned champion of the Basic Education School Sports Competition after topping the national championship held in Abuja from September 21 to 27.
According to Hon. Mariere, these children were randomly picked from various schools in the state and their participation was not planned, but they surprisingly came back victorious.
He attributed the success to the grace that follows His Excellency, the education-loving Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that “his grace precedes and we shall always emerge victorious as we go on to represent Nigeria in the CAF.”
Hon. Mariere further announced that the Governor has approved the commencement of Basic School Sports, where every school from the local government to the senatorial level will be selected for competition, with the finals to be held in Asaba, the state capital.
He added that the victorious children will now be handed over to the Delta State Sports Commission to be formally groomed. This, he emphasized, is not limited to football, as other sports will also be included.
Also speaking, the Sports Officer in charge of Basic Education School Sports, Mr. Joshua Akporiaye, announced that Delta State led the competition with 13 points, followed by Ekiti with 10 points, while Enugu placed third with 7 points.
This historic win automatically qualifies Delta State to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming under-15 Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition.
