NDSF25: Rivers State Athletes Primed for Glory As Teams Face Final Trials in Volleyball, Tennis and Chess

Tennis Players at Port Harcourt Club 1928

By Eyo, Idongesit Kelvin 

The Port Harcourt Club 1928 and Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, Civic Centre were abuzz with excitement as athletes intensify their final preparations for the upcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Rivers State is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to dominate the festival, with its volleyball, tennis, and chess teams undergoing rigorous final trials to select the best players to represent the state.

Volleyball Team Intensifies Final Trials

The Volleyball Team, comprised of talented players from across the state, has been honing their skills and perfecting their strategies in anticipation of the regional competition at the Alfred Dietie Spiff Sports Complex, Civic Centre.

One of the coach who spoke in annomity, stated the final trials are crucial in selecting the best players to represent Rivers State at the Niger Delta Sports Festival.

"We are taking these trials very seriously, as we want to ensure that we select the best possible team to represent our state,"  

"The competition will be fierce, but we are confident that our team has what it takes to emerge victorious." The coach echoes in confidence.

Chess Players Battle for Supremacy

The Port Harcourt Club 1928 is hosting the final trials for the chess team, attracting chess enthusiasts and officials who are impressed with the level of competition and sportsmanship displayed by the players.

As the trials progress, the tension is building, and the players are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to secure a spot for the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.

"We are impressed with the level of competition so far," said Coach Umoren. "The players are displaying a high level of skill and strategy, and it's clear that they are eager to represent the state at the festival."

Tennis Players Serve Up Aces

In other events of the final trials, Rivers State is known for its strong tennis tradition, having produced several national champions over the years. The quality of players on display at the final trials indicates that the state is eager to continue its dominance in the sport.

According to Coach Stella, the trials were highly competitive, with players displaying exceptional talents and determination.

"We have a pool of talented players in Rivers State, and it's been a challenge to select the best ones for the festival," 

"But I'm confident that the players we've selected will make us proud at the sports festival in Uyo." Coach Stella concluded.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival, initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), aims to promote sports development and human capital development in the Niger Delta region beyond oil as the theme for the event.

The festival, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1st to 9th, 2025, will bring together the best athletes from across the Niger Delta region, competing in various sports.

With their sights set on glory, Rivers State athletes are ready to take on the best of the Niger Delta.