Niger Delta Games Will Reposition The Region, Nigerian Sports – Ikpokpo

The primary objective of the Niger Delta Games is to unearth and develop promising athletes, not only to sustain the region’s dominance in national competitions but also to secure the future of Nigerian sports and empower athletes to achieve fulfilling professional careers in both domestic and international arenas.

Sir Itiako Ikpokpo KSM, Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, the project consultants for the games, clarified this on Wednesday in Lagos at the official press launch of the second edition of the games.

“Part of the process involves engaging with grassroots communities to foster interest and participation across various sports disciplines. We are also strengthening eligibility rules to tackle issues such as age cheating and athlete poaching between states, and encouraging states to invest in sports infrastructure,” Ikpokpo explained.

He added: “Crucial to this task is the need for competitions that provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents. This is precisely what the NDDC is achieving by sponsoring these games.”

Ikpokpo stressed that Dunamis-Icon and the NDDC do not intend to ‘own’ athletes. He therefore urged the states in the region to capitalise on the opportunity presented by the games to nurture and harness the talents discovered.

“The states of the Niger Delta have a duty to harness those talents identified at the games. For our part, we have identified over 600 athletes with potential, and it is now up to the states to help these athletes realise their full capabilities,” declared Ikpokpo, who also chairs the board of the Delta State Athletics Association.

He stated that each of the nine participating states would field 270 athletes to compete in the 17 sports disciplines featured in the games.

Ikpokpo reiterated earlier assurances from the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, that the second Niger Delta Games would have a greater impact than the inaugural edition.

“Uyo was widely acclaimed as very successful, but I must admit it wasn’t perfect. We are going to build on those successes and deliver a more efficient second edition,” he promised.

He disclosed that the event would take place from 20th to 27th February 2026, and commended the host, Edo State, for the availability of necessary sports infrastructure and its maintenance of the iconic Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, among other facilities.

Accompanying Ikpokpo at the press launch were Fred Edoreh, the Project Director; Harry Iwuala, Head of Communications and Publicity; Edi Lawani, Head of Culture and Entertainment; Godwin Enakhena, Chairman of the Scouting and Mentorship Committee; and Onome Obrhute, Head of Special Duties.