Bassey: Talent Discovery Tops Akwa Ibom’s Agenda at 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin
Akwa Ibom State has announced that its major priority at the upcoming 2nd Niger Delta Games will be athlete discovery and long-term grooming.
The regional competition, scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State from February 20 to 27, is expected to feature contingents from nine states.
Speaking on preparations, Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports, revealed that Akwa Ibom successfully registered 476 athletes and 64 coaches on the official portal before the deadline.
He explained that the state has complied fully with eligibility regulations by focusing on teenagers and young athletes.
Trials will now determine the final list of participants who will represent the state in Benin.
Mrs. Cathrine Ewa, Director of Coaching for Akwa Ibom, confirmed that profiles of 250 male and 226 female athletes were uploaded to the central registration system, alongside 44 male and 20 female coaches. She expressed confidence in the state’s readiness and the balance of its team.
While acknowledging the importance of winning medals, Bassey emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s broader vision is to unearth new talents who can enrich the state’s pool of sports stars for future competitions.
‘We want to win gold, but more importantly, we want to discover champions for tomorrow,’ he said.
Akwa Ibom hosted the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games in April 2025. The initiative is the brainchild of Dunamis-Icon Limited, with Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM), Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, serving as Lead Consultant.
