Niger Delta Games, a model for talent discovery and grassroots development – NCF Secretary General, Mrs. Ejiro Thukson

...“We must build a pipeline for junior talents to become senior champions”

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, South-South, Nigeria 

  

  

  

The Secretary General of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mrs. Ejiro Thukson, has described the ongoing second edition of the Niger Delta Games as a shining template for structured talent identification and sustainable grassroots development in Nigerian sports.

 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG on the sidelines of the chess event at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Nigeria's art and culture capital, Benin City, Edo State, Southern Nigeria, Mrs. Thukson said the multi-sport festival represents the kind of deliberate, long-term investment needed to transform promising talents into elite champions.

 

“I would say the event is fantastic,” she declared. “It is a perfect developmental programme. It boosts the players and encourages them from the junior category up to the senior level.”

 

The Federation Scribe went on to add that the real strength of the Niger Delta Games lies not just in the medals won, but in the structure it provides. Emphasizing that competitions of this nature create clear and sustainable progression pathways essential for exponential regional growth — ensuring that young talents are not left stranded after early promise.

She was quick to stress that consistency remains the non-negotiable ingredient for success.

 

“Because it is a developmental programme, it must be consistent. Just like the inuaguaral edition last year and the second edition this year, continuity will definitely help chess — and any other sport — to grow. But there must be consistency,” Mrs. Ejiro Thukson, a former Secretary General, Nigeria Scrabble Federation, insisted.

 

Drawing from her administrative experience, Thompson identified funding gaps, policy discontinuity and organiser burnout as prominent challenges within the Nigerian sports ecosystem. And regional initiatives like the Niger Delta Games is her preferred way to bridge geographic inequality, ensuring that athletes outside major urban centres are not excluded from exposure and competitive opportunities.

 

She further aligned the Games with global priorities in the sports, noting that international chess authorities are intensifying efforts to embed the game within school systems as part of a broader educational drive.

 

“We need to keep doing the work at the developmental level. Even our international body has tagged this year ‘Chess in Education’. So we must keep going down to the schools — still at that grassroots, developmental level.”

 

Looking ahead, the NFC Secretary General, expressed optimism about the federation’s packed 2026 calendar, revealing that players across age groups will have abundant competitive platforms throughout the year.

 

“We have so many programmes lined up for 2026. There are organisers putting tournaments together at different months. We already had one in January, more in February, and the months ahead are also booked. There are opportunities for players at all levels to participate in any of the tournaments.”

  

In the Chess Male Rapid category, concluded on Sunday, Nwachukwu John of Rivers State emerged champion to claim gold. Team Edo’s Osayande Kingsley delivered a strong performance to secure silver, while Evbuomwam Henry Oghogho earned bronze.

In the Female Rapid, Omoruyi Sandra Osarugue of Edo State clinched gold. Nwankwo Michelle Chiamaka of Abia State took silver, while Effiom Esther Erin of Cross River State settled for bronze and for the Mrs. Thukson, the message is clear — talent exists in abundance across the Niger Delta and beyond. What remains essential is building and sustaining the pipeline that transforms raw ability into national and international excellence.

 

OUR COVERAGE OF THE 2ND EDITION OF THE NIGER DELTA GAMES IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

 

★ The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs Sabina Chikere 

 

★ Emmanuel Egbele, CEO/Founder, Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Classics

★ The President, Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation, Olumide Oyedeji (OLY)