Oluwatobi Adu 
CALABAR, Nigeria – Cross River State sets an ambitious target of winning at least 70 swimming medals as preparations intensify for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, signalling a strong push for regional sporting dominance.
Officials of the Cross River Sports Commission say the state’s advantage lies in its access to world-class training facilities, particularly the Olympic-size swimming pool at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Speaking during an interactive session with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Friday, the Commission’s chairman, Lawrence Etta, expresses confidence that the facility will translate into podium success.
“With this facility in our state, we should have swimmers who can compete nationally,” Etta says. “We must maximise its use to produce elite swimmers.”
He reveals that about 70 local swimmers are currently undergoing a rigorous screening process to ensure that only the most competitive athletes represent the state at the games, scheduled for February 20 to 27 in Edo State.
“We shall be thorough in the screening because we are determined to present the best,” he adds.
Etta outlines a broader preparation strategy that includes a delegation of 282 athletes, supported by 16 coaches and 12 officials, all undergoing intensive training across multiple sports.
While swimming remains a priority, the chairman says the state is also reviving school sports programmes to strengthen grassroots development and secure long-term talent pipelines.
Sports analysts say Cross River’s investment in infrastructure and youth development could position the state as a dominant force in aquatic sports within the Niger Delta region.
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Korede Abdullah 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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