AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE
The Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, has charged home-based athletes preparing to compete at the All Nigeria National Trials for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to remain confident and fearless in their pursuit of success.
Speaking ahead of the trials, Chief Ikpokpo urged the athletes to believe in their abilities, emphasizing that competition venues do not determine performance.
According to him, “Tracks are the same everywhere. What matters most is your confidence, preparation, and determination to perform at your best.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Dunamics Icon and organizer of the Niger Delta Games expressed strong optimism about the prospects of young athletes at the trials, noting that emerging talents could spring major surprises in Lagos.
He stated that the Niger Delta Games has continued to serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing exceptional talents across the region.
“I strongly believe a young athlete can pull a surprise in Lagos. We saw so many talented youngsters during the Niger Delta Games, and in a competition like this, one breakthrough performance can change everything,” he said.
Chief Ikpokpo has continued to earn widespread commendation from athletics stakeholders for his leadership and commitment to grassroots sports development through the annual Niger Delta Games.
Many stakeholders have praised the initiative for consistently producing promising athletes who are gradually shaping the future of Nigerian athletics.
