Once a shining symbol of Delta State’s investment in sports, the Oleh Township Stadium in Isoko South Local Government Area now tells a sad story of neglect and wasted potential.
The stadium, built during the tenure of former Governor James Ibori, was once celebrated as one of the finest in the state—ranking alongside Oghara, Ughelli, Agbor, and the Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium in Ogwashi-Uku. It even hosted matches during the 2006 African Women’s Championship, including the thrilling encounter between South Africa and Algeria.
From Sporting Pride to Farmland
Fast forward to today, the stadium no longer echoes with the chants of football fans or the energy of athletes. Instead, it has been overtaken by cassava, yam, plantain plantations, and thick bushes, with large portions of the once-vibrant arena converted into farmland.
Residents who revisited the facility were shocked at the decay. One indigene described the experience:
“This used to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in Delta about 10–15 years ago. Today, it’s farmland. The tracks, roofs, and facilities are all gone. It’s painful to see how many young talents have been wasted because this place was abandoned.”
Lost Opportunities for Youth
Community members say the stadium’s decline has robbed countless youths of opportunities to grow in sports. Despite the state’s reputation as a hub for athletic excellence, the facility that once nurtured budding talents is now in ruins.
“Even now, some young men and women still try to train here despite the conditions. But their dreams are being crushed. The government and local officials see this every day yet do nothing,” another resident lamented.
For former athletes, the stadium holds deep personal memories. One ex-player recalled how Oleh Stadium gave him the chance to play handball at national tournaments, from the U-12s to representing Delta and even Bayelsa State in qualifiers.
“It breaks my heart. This stadium made me who I am in sports. To see it go down like this is shameful,” he added.
Calls for Urgent Action
Indigenes of Oleh are now appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently step in before the facility collapses completely. They argue that renovating the stadium is not just about restoring a building but about reviving hope for future generations of athletes.
As one youth leader bluntly put it:
“Delta prides itself as a sports-loving state. But look at Oleh Stadium today—it is nothing but shameful.”
Jamflash Opinion:
The story of Oleh Township Stadium is a sad reminder of how government neglect can wipe out decades of progress. Facilities that once inspired champions are now abandoned to bushes and farms. If urgent intervention does not come, Delta State risks losing not only infrastructure but also the next generation of sporting stars.
