Enabulele Sets Tough Performance Benchmarks, Fires Up Edo Coaches and Athletes Ahead of Niger Delta Sports Festival, Others
In a clear signal that Edo State is tightening the screws for sporting excellence, the Edo State Sports Commission has set new performance benchmarks for coaches and athletes ahead of major competitions, including the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, laid out the new direction during an appraisal and interactive session with coaches and athletes across various sports in the state.
Speaking through a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele said the engagement was a deliberate move to reset standards, enforce professionalism and drive measurable results within Edo State’s sports ecosystem.
According to him, the Commission has rolled out strict, performance-based policies for both coaches and athletes, stressing that excuses will no longer be tolerated.
“The era of excuses is over. Quality work, discipline and measurable results will now define progress in Edo sports. We are determined to raise the bar. Coaches and athletes must embrace hard work, professionalism and accountability if we must compete with purpose and excellence,” Enabulele said.
He disclosed that the Commission is introducing structured sports development and capacity-building programmes, including specialised training for coaches, to align them with modern coaching methods and global best practices.
On discipline and teamwork, the Sports Commission boss charged coaches to lead by example and strengthen collaboration between head coaches and their assistants, warning that indiscipline would not be condoned.
“Coaches must show leadership and work as a team. Success is collective, and everyone must understand their role in achieving it,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Enabulele revealed that Edo State has stepped up preparations for the Niger Delta Sports Festival, which the state will host.
He said the Commission has received a clear directive from the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to not only host a successful event but also emerge overall winners.
“The Niger Delta Sports Festival is around the corner. Edo State will compete in 16 sports, and we have a clear mandate from His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to win. All hands must be on deck,” he declared.
He also highlighted a packed sports calendar for March, including the Okpebholo Athletes’ Meet, the National Para Games and several racket games competitions.
According to him, the Commission is also designing targeted initiatives to boost female participation in sports through structured programmes and competitive platforms.
On accountability, Enabulele said the Commission is strengthening its appraisal process by deploying clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to objectively assess coaches, athletes and sports associations.
“Performance must be measurable. We are consolidating our appraisal system through KPIs to ensure transparency, accountability and continuous improvement,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to athlete welfare, promising improved funding, better facilities and a more supportive training environment. Athletes were also encouraged to take ownership of their careers by setting personal goals and focusing on individual performance.
The event climaxed with the celebration of Team Edo athlete, Favour Cornelius, who represented Nigeria at the African Youth Games in Angola and won three gold medals in weightlifting, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s eight gold medals at the event.
Favour Cornelius, who also won three gold medals at the 2025 National Youth Games, was honoured with cash rewards presented by the Commission. The presentation was led by Hon. Enabulele alongside the Permanent Secretary, Executive Directors, management staff and coaches of the Edo State Sports Commission.
