By: Niger Delta Searchlight
Isoko Nation, Delta State, Nigeria – The much-anticipated Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament, an event aimed at fostering unity and sportsmanship among the Isoko people, is set to commence with an array of clan qualifiers scheduled across Delta and Bayelsa States. This series of qualifiers will decide the top players from various clans who will progress to compete for the Grand prize of one million naira only, in the grand finale scheduled for December 28th, 2024, at the Isoko Unity House. Oleh.
The tournament spokesman, Mr. Elo Akose, in a widely publicized press release this yesterday, said, the tournament opens with four qualifier events starting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, and stretching through Friday, November 15, 2024.
According to Mr. Akose, each clan has been invited to bring forth its top table tennis players from which four players will be picked after a rigorous contest, adding that the event will be officiated by leading Table Tennis professionals and officials from the Asaba Table Tennis Club (ATTC), the Delta State Table Tennis Association, the South-South Table Tennis Association and the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), with notable sporting brands and bookmarkers expected to be part of the event.
Upcoming Qualifier Events
The opening round of qualifiers will take place on November 7th at Peccan Hotel, Emevor, Delta State, with participants from Emevor, Iyede, Owhe, Ozoro, Ellu/Ovrode/Aradhe, Ibrede, and Igbuku clans. Following this, the action moves to Staff Club at the Faculty of Law, Delta State University, Oleh Campus on November 13 with seven additional clans, including Aviara, Onogboko, Ofagbe, Oleh, Okpe-Isoko, Irri, and Oyede, all competing for a coveted spot in the tournament, as each clan prepares to showcase its best talents.
On November 14, the competition continues with six more clans— Igbide, Okpolo/Ewhen, Olomoro, Umeh/Erowa, Uzere, and Emede—battling it out to select their best representatives. The qualifiers conclude on November 15 at Sports Complex Ogum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with Okugbe Isoko as the final clan to showcase their talent. This cross-state approach highlights the all-encompassing outreach and inclusivity of the tournament, celebrating unity within Isoko Nation.
Speaking through telephone with this medium, Dr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on New Media, who is the facilitator of the contest, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s potential impact, saying, “This tournament is an excellent opportunity for participants to showcase their skills, and for our community to come together in celebration of unity and sports in the yuletide. We anticipate great energy, excitement, and community pride throughout the tournament.”
Palmer, who is popularly known as the ‘The Black Prince of isoko Nation’, also added that “my goal for organizing this event is to promote the game of table tennis and reward enthusiast of this beautiful game. And while doing so, promote also the spirit of communal living among Isoko people, noting that we are one indivisible people. One heritage, one ancestry and one history.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on their local representatives, as the tournament promises an exhilarating display of skill and friendly competition. The events will not only emphasize athleticism but will also serve as a platform for strengthening community bonds and celebrating Isoko culture.
With the first serve just days away, all eyes are on the partaking clans as they prepare to bring their best to the table. The Isoko Nation Unity Table Tennis Tournament is poised to be an memorable celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and cultural pride.
