Cross River Targets 70 Swimming Medals at Niger Delta Games, Etta Reveals
Cross River State has set an ambitious target of winning at least 70 medals in swimming at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to take place in Edo State, PulseNets learnt.
The Chairman of the Cross River Sports Commission, Lawrence Etta, disclosed this in Calabar on Friday while interacting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Cross River State chapter.
Etta, who spoke to PulseNets during the session, expressed confidence that the state is strategically positioned to dominate the swimming events at the multi-sport competition billed for February 20 to 27.
According to him, Cross River has a major advantage due to the presence of an Olympic-size swimming pool at the UJ Esuene Stadium, constructed to meet the standards of the International Swimming Federation.
“With this kind of facility available in our state, we are expected to produce swimmers who can compete effectively at the national level. What is important now is to maximise the use of the pool to groom quality swimmers,” Etta stated.
PulseNets obtained that no fewer than 70 swimmers from Cross River are currently undergoing screening ahead of the Niger Delta Games, as the state intensifies preparations.
Etta told PulseNets that the screening process would be rigorous, stressing that only the best athletes would be selected to represent the state.
“The screening will be very strict because our goal is to present only top-performing athletes for the games,” he said.
Providing further details, the sports commission chairman revealed that Cross River will participate in the games with a contingent of 282 athletes, supported by 16 coaches and 12 officials.
“We are committed to doing everything within our capacity to ensure the athletes are well prepared before the competition begins,” Etta added.
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He also disclosed that the commission is taking deliberate steps to revive school sports across the state, noting that grassroots development remains critical to long-term sporting success.
Etta emphasised that sports development must start from the school system, adding that engaging young people through organised sports remains one of the most effective ways to channel youthful energy positively.
