The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has called on Team Edo to approach the Zonal Elimination for the 2025 National Youth Games with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.

Enabulele message to the Team Edo who are participating in the South-South Zonal screening exercise for the elimination games at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was contained in a statement signed by his his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, and made available to newsmen on Saturday.

The exercise, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was supervised by the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the NSC, Mr. Njoku Peter.

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It focuses on age verification to ensure all participants are under 15 years, in line with competition requirements.

Athletes from the six South-South states — Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta — took part in the screening.

“You are not just representing Edo State but also showcasing our strength and talent as true ambassadors. Give it your best and let your performance speak for itself,” Enabulele said.

With the zonal eliminations set for Saturday, August 17, through Sunday, August 18, and match draws already underway, Enabulele also stressed the need for fairness and professionalism in officiating.

“The credibility of these eliminations depends solely on your integrity. We expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgment to ensure a successful event,” he added.

The 2025 National Youth Games isvscheduled to hold from August 26 to September 6 in Asaba, Delta State.

Ahead of the 2025 Asaba National Youth Games, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged state coaches to deliver top-class performances as zonal eliminations begin this weekend.

Speaking during an interactive session on Thursday at the Commission’s Media Centre, Enabulele urged the coaches to demonstrate discipline, unity, and focus in their quest to secure Edo’s qualification in all events at the eliminations, scheduled for August 16–18 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“We must be prepared to conquer,” Enabulele declared in a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko.

“Your unflinching support is essential if we are to clinch all available spots and maintain Edo’s dominance in sports.”

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He disclosed that all athletes and coaches would proceed to full camping immediately after the eliminations to prepare for the main event, billed for August 26 to September 6 in Delta State.

Enabulele assured the coaches that the commission, under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, is addressing their concerns and remains committed to supporting their work.

“Success is a shared responsibility,” Enabulele concluded, calling on coaches to match the commission’s support with strong results.

The zonal eliminations will feature Rugby, Volleyball, Handball, Cricket, Hockey, Beach Volleyball, Football, Abula, and Baseball.

Super Falcons captain and forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, has expressed frustration over the delay in the payment of promised allowances and bonuses to the team.

She made this known during an appearance on the forthcoming episode of ‘With Chude’ hosted by popular on-air personality, Chude Jideonwo.

Ajibade said the players had yet to receive the pledged $100,000 and other entitlements, despite repeated assurances from the relevant authorities.

“We have not received our money oo. Please, they have not paid. All the promises you heard back and forth, we have not received anything,” she said.

READ ALSO:Super Falcons Coach Madugu Nominated For 2025 Ballon d’Or Award

Ajibade added that the players had been informed the money had already been allocated but insisted nothing had reached them.

“People are begging. We have not received it. When they pay it, you will see. Even our match bonuses and everything… everything is still a work in progress,” she lamented.

The 24-year-old urged the authorities to fulfill their promises, stressing that the delay was taking a toll on the players.

Following the Super Falcons’ historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco, President Bola Tinubu had in July 2025 announced a cash reward of $100,000 for each player, along with other bonuses, as a token of appreciation for their achievement.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons

Ajibade also stated that she played for FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League for 10 years without receiving a salary.

The Super Falcons captain described her spell playing football in the NWFL as “a tough moment”.

Ajibade added that she grew up in  compound of almost 100 people” in the Mushin area of Lagos and had to “wash people’s toilets and bathrooms for money”.

READ ALSO:WAFCON Final: Super Falcons Produce Stunning Comeback To Defeat Morocco, Win 10th Title

The forward added that she grew up in “a compound of almost 100 people” in the Mushin area of Lagos and had to “wash people’s toilets and bathrooms for money”.

Ajibade came through the ranks of FC Robo Queens in Lagos and played for the team until she moved to Avaldsnes IL in Norway at the age of 17.

She then joined Atletico Madrid Feminino in 2021.