‘Fleeing’ Delta athletes make u-turn after Oborevwori’s largesse

• Swimmers Relocate To Asaba From Obiaruku

Some Delta State athletes who were allegedly lured to other states in preparation for the 22nd National Sports Festival holding in Ogun State have made a u-turn following the approval of N1million cash reward by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for gold medallist.

To boost the morale of Team Delta ahead of this year’s National Sports Festival, Governor Oborevwori, during the week, approved a cash award of N1million for each gold medallist who helped the state topped the medals table at the 21st edition of the Games, tagged Asaba 2022. Silver medallists got N500,000 each, while N250,000 was approved for each bronze medal.

Team Delta made history at the 21st National Sports Festival by winning an unprecedented 576 medals, made up of 280 gold, 167 silver and 129 bronze. The Governor’s cash reward has yielded dividend, as some of the top stars who allegedly abandoned training in Asaba for other states have returned to Team Delta.

The Guardian learnt, yesterday, that some coaches, who were bent on sabotaging the current Delta Sports Commission board, allegedly lured some of the top stars to other states with a promise of securing higher wages for them.

However, the athletes have since discovered that it was all fake promises from their coaches and have retraced their steps. Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero revealed to The Guardian, yesterday, that virtually all their top stars have returned home.

“Some coaches lied to some of our top athletes that they will get higher pay in other states and that our governor will not give cash reward to any athlete,” he said. “Immediately our governor approved N1million for every gold medal won at the last edition of the