He made this statement on Tuesday in Benin during the opening of the South-South zonal eliminations for ball games in preparation for the National Sports Festival, referred to as “Ogun 2025.”
Enabulele emphasized that sports have consistently served as a significant instrument for promoting unity, discipline, and youth empowerment. He highlighted the importance of the zonal elimination games as a vital step towards the National Sports Festival.
“As we gather here today, let us remember that beyond competition, this event is an opportunity to foster friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect among our young athletes and sports administrators in our zone and country.
“We must continue to harness the power of sports to unite our youths and build a future filled with opportunities for them.
“To our athletes from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta State, I urge you to compete with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.
“You are not just representing your states but also showcasing the strength and talent of the South-South region. Give it your best, and let your performance speak for itself,” Enabulele said.
The head of the Edo Sports Commission addressed the officials and referees of the competition, highlighting the critical role of fair play and impartiality in officiating.
“The credibility of this tournament depends on your integrity, and we expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgment to ensure that the best teams emerge victorious,” he stated.
Additionally, Peter Njoku, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, announced that a total of 688 athletes, comprising 310 males and 378 females, are competing across eight team events.
Njoku expressed optimism that athletes from the South-South region will secure victories at the upcoming National Sports Festival.
Athletes from the six states in the South-South zone—Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River—are currently engaged in elimination rounds at various venues.
In football, Team Edo is leading with two wins, having achieved 3-0 and 3-1 victories over Bayelsa and Delta states, respectively, at the Crescent Club Field.
In the women's football category, the Edo girls narrowly defeated Delta State with a score of 1-0.
In men's handball, Edo triumphed over Akwa Ibom with a score of 28-21.
In cricket, Edo secured a significant victory against Delta (male) by 109 runs, finishing with 109 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs, while Delta managed only 47 runs for the loss of 15.2 overs in their innings.
RESULTS OF 22ND NSF SOUTH-SOUTH ZONAL ELIMINATION
DAY 1 (TUESDAY 25TH FEB)
Abula
1. Bayelsa 1 - 2 Rivers (male)
2. Edo 1 - 2 Delta (male)
3. Bayelsa 1 - 2 (female)
4. Edo 0 - Delta 2 (female)
5. Rivers 2 - 0 Delta (male)
6. Delta 2 - 0 Bayelsa (female)
7. Delta 2 - 0 Rivers (female)
8. Delta 0 vs 3 Bayelsa (male)
9. Edo 0 vs 2 Rivers (male)
Basketball
1. Delta 46 - 67 Rivers (male)
2.Akwa Ibom 61 - 70 Edo (male)
3. Delta 31 - 46 Bayelsa (female)
4. Edo 39 - 66 Rivers (male)
Beach Volleyball
1. Delta 2 - 0 Akwa Ibom (male)
2. Bayelsa 2 - 0 Edo
Result for this evening's matches for the Handball male event
1. Akwa Ibom 21-28 Edo
2. Delta 38-21Bayelsa