The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) Mascot has been unveiled at a colourful ceremony in Owerri, Imo State with the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma in attendance.

The top management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, presented the mascot to Gov Uzodinma.

Heralded by traditional dancers and serenaded by the Imo State choral group, ‘Bros’ as the mascot is called, emerged digitally and live with a pose that had audience in a standing applause that froze the filled auditorium of the Landmark Event Centre in the posh New Owerri development area.

Before the digital presentation of the animated Mascot, Itiako Ikpokpo, the Lead Consultant at Dunamis Icon and Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, told the audience the story of Bros.

“The Mascot is derived from the Dolphin, which like the Niger Delta in Nigeria, has presence, prominence and respect in its environment.

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“The name, Bros, is a short form for “Brother” which is commonly used in the Niger Delta, depicting the oneness, friendship and camaraderie that they share. Simply put, all Niger Deltans are brothers and they call themselves “Bros”, Ikpokpo narrated.

Other guests included members of the Imo State Executive Council, Senators and some members of the House of Representatives.

The presence of Festival Ambassadors led by two former African Footballers of the Year, Victor Ikpeba and Emmanuel Amunike added colour and excitement as guests eagerly sought to pose for pictures and videos with them.

Other Ambassadors who were unveiled alongside the duo were World Women Wrestling champion, Blessing Oborodudu, former Africa sprints champion, Seun Ogunkoya, Tamunosiki Atorudibo, Olympic medalist, Patience Igbiti and former Falcons captain, Efionwan Ekpo.

The live Mascot strutted the stage as pyrotechnics were blasted to herald the official unveiling and in a friendly zest, invited Gov Uzodinma and the NDDC hierarchy for photoshoots.

“I appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State even as I look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people”, Gov Uzodinma stated.

Earlier in his welcome address at the event which was also a celebration of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary, Ogbuku said, “the festival aims to promote regional integration and discover new sporting talents in the Niger Delta region”.

In concluding his introduction of Bros, Ikpokpo added, “Dolphins are also very sociable and cultural. They entertain, learn, teach their young ones, build social bonds and have a high sense of cooperation and mutual existence.

“Most importantly, Dolphins communicate in various ways, just like we have various languages and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, but all united in diversity.

“Niger Deltans are all “Bros”, he declared.

In the bid to help competing teams strengthen, the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has opened the mid-season transfer window, in sync with the mid-season break.

The transfer window is open until March 11, 2025, giving clubs time to finalize their signings as the mid-season break officially ends on March 18, with the second stanza kicking off the next day.

However, the second stanza of the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season is set to resume on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

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Biztellers reports that the NWFL Premiership embarked on a break following the enterprising Matchday Seven encounters on February 26, 2025, with a record-highest 27 goals scored, including three hat-tricks across various centres.

On the mid-season transfer window, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi emphasized its importance for clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

In her words, “This transfer window allows clubs to reinforce their teams and address key areas before the second stanza begins. We expect clubs to make strategic moves that will enhance the competition in the league.”

Remo Stars Ladies lead Group A with 19 points, closely followed by title holders Edo Queens with 17 points, while Abia Angels and Nasarawa Amazons are also in contention.

Rivers Angels lead Group B tied with Bayelsa Queens on 17 points, with Delta Queens, Naija Ratels, and FC Robo Queens trailing behind.

At the end of the season, the top teams will qualify for the NWFL Premiership Super 6 Championship, where they will battle for the league title.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their status as Africa’s top-ranked women’s football team in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, released on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Despite strong competition from other African teams, the Falcons remain 36th in the world, solidifying their dominance on the continent.

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Their closest African rivals include South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, and Ghana, who complete the top five teams in the region.

On the global stage, the United States leads the rankings, followed by Spain, Germany, England, and Japan.

Other teams making up the top 10 are Sweden, Canada, Brazil, Korea DPR, and the Netherlands.

The Super Falcons’ strong showing at recent international tournaments, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has helped them maintain their position.