Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports growth in the state with a significant gesture to its leading football teams. On Independence Day in Asaba, the governor announced the procurement of brand-new buses for Warri Wolves and Delta Queens, two of the state’s flagship clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).
The move reflects the governor’s determination to strengthen Delta’s reputation as Nigeria’s sporting hub while addressing immediate logistical concerns that have recently plagued the state’s football teams.
Oborevwori: “Players must be motivated to succeed”
Speaking during his Independence Day press briefing, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the role of adequate support and motivation in driving sporting success. He explained that the new buses, two coaster buses and two Hiace buses would be shared between the two clubs, with one coaster and one Hiace bus each for Warri Wolves and Delta Queens.
“Delta State has always been a leader in sports in Nigeria, and we must ensure our players are well-motivated,” the governor said. “I was informed of the transportation issues faced by Warri Wolves recently, and I immediately directed the procurement of new buses. When players travel in old vehicles that break down, it not only delays them but also kills their spirit. Now, with these buses, they can travel safely, happily, and arrive on time for matches.”
He further stressed: “Delta state when it comes to sports in Nigeria are doing very well and you need to motivate the players. i was told that their coastal bus was going to be enough. They had a flat tire and some other issues that derail them. I called the commissioner for information that I’m going to procure Two coaster bus and two Hiace bus. One bus and the hire bus for Warri Wolves. Then one coaster bus and Hiace bus for Delta Queens. And this will motivate them.. So when they are travelling, they should be very happy. They know that they will get to their spot at the appropriate time. But when they are using vehicles that are already old, that will not even motivate them. And I know with this, we continue to do well. I’m very proud of them. They are already in the league already. So we are sure of victory for them because they are doing very well. And we need to continue to motivate them to do well. So we are doing well in infrastructure. We are doing well in education. So in sports, we are also doing very well. We need to motivate our players at all given times.”
He added that Delta’s sporting achievements go hand in hand with advancements in education and infrastructure, reflecting his administration’s holistic vision for state development.
Warri Wolves Travel Nightmare Sparks Government Action
The intervention comes just weeks after Warri Wolves endured a harrowing travel ordeal en route to their NPFL Matchday 5 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. Their original bus broke down in Asaba before a replacement vehicle also suffered mechanical failure in Benue State, delaying their journey and raising concerns about player welfare and logistics.
That incident brought to light the urgent need for modern, reliable transportation for the state’s professional football clubs. The governor’s prompt response has been hailed as both a morale booster for the teams and a sign of his administration’s proactive commitment to sports development.
Delta’s Legacy as Nigeria’s Sporting Hub
Delta State is widely regarded as Nigeria’s sporting powerhouse, consistently producing world-class athletes across football, athletics, and other disciplines. The governor reiterated that his administration will continue to invest in facilities, welfare, and youth development to ensure the state maintains its leading position.
With the delivery of the new buses, players and officials of Warri Wolves and Delta Queens can look forward to improved comfort and safety as they travel across the country to represent the state in Nigeria’s top-flight football competitions.
