Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has promised that the country will witness the “best ever” national sports festival when the state hosts the biggest sporting events in Nigeria in next year.

The governor disclosed this while Victorious Team Delta was given a rousing welcome in Asaba, the state capital, on Thursday, a day after topping the medals table at the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020.

Apart from emerging champions in Benin City on Wednesday, Delta State was also awarded the hosting right for the 2022 edition of the sports festival, beating five other states, Ebonyi, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, and Ogun in the bidding process.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has assured that Delta State will host the ‘best ever’ sports festival that will remain memorable for Nigerians in many years to come.

Speaking while receiving the flag of the National Sports Festival as the next host from the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Nebolisa Anako, Okowa said Nigerian youths, officials, and journalists, who will participate in the 2022 edition, will leave Asaba with great memories of the fiesta.

Governor Okowa, represented by Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, said the state has shown over the years that it is the hub of sports and getting the nod to host the 2022 edition was a welcome development.

The victory in Benin City on Wednesday was the second triumph for Team Delta under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration after topping the medals table at Abuja 2018.

On arrival in Asaba Thursday, Team Delta athletes, coaches, and accompanying officials were given rousing cheers by the people, including school children, market women, and civil servants, who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the contingent.

Chief Solomon Ogba, who played a huge role in the victory, described Edo 2020 fiesta as wonderful. “Team Delta led the medals table from day one because we wanted to avoid the mistake of what happened in 2002. Though there were some manipulations by some states along the line, we were able to hold our own. I must commend our athletes, coaches, and other Delta officials for the wonderful job. I thank the governor for the huge support he gave to Team Delta,” Ogba stated.

Chairman, Delta Sports Commission, Tony Okowa, was excited by the reception accorded his team. He described the victory at Edo 2020 as a result of hard work.