NDDC To Launch Region-Wide Secondary School Football Tournament

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to launch a major football tournament for secondary school students across the entire Niger Delta region.
The initiative, announced by NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku at the finals of the New WW White Football Tournament in Port Harcourt, aims to identify and nurture young sporting talent.

According a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, the tournament, which will adopt a league format, will involve schools from all nine Niger Delta states.

Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the importance of engaging youth in sports, providing a platform for self-development, and fostering unity and peace within the region.

He cited the rich history of the WW White Tournament, mentioning past participants like Finidi George and Kanu Nwankwo, and praised former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo for his support in sustaining the competition.

Enitonna High School emerged victorious in this year’s WW White Tournament, receiving a N1.5 million prize.

Nyemoni Anglican Grammar School and the third-placed team received N1 million and N750,000 respectively.

Dr. Ogbuku announced that future winners will receive sponsorship for training at foreign football academies.

Enitonna High School captain, Master Peace Wariboko, expressed gratitude for the opportunities the tournament provided and urged the NDDC to continue its support.

The NDDC sponsored the week-long tournament for Rivers State government-owned secondary schools.

The expansion of the tournament to a regional scale reflects the NDDC’s commitment to youth development and community building in the Niger Delta.

This initiative promises to be a significant boost to youth sports in the region.