Final Phase of Rivers State Trials Sets Stage for 2nd Niger Delta Games
Rivers State is set to conclude its athlete selection trials for the Niger Delta Games with football on Saturday, February 7.
The trials, which began on Monday, February 2, opened with Chess, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Scrabble, before continuing with Handball and Wrestling on Tuesday, February 3.
Volleyball and Taekwondo followed on Wednesday, while Swimming and Powerlifting are scheduled for Thursday. The final phase before football will feature Basketball, Boxing, and Weightlifting on Friday.
These trials are designed to select athletes who will represent Team Rivers across all 16 sporting events approved for the regional festival.
Athletics trials have already been completed, and the ongoing process will lead to full camping of selected athletes ahead of Edo 2026.
Organised by Dunamis-Icon for the nine Niger Delta states under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Games promise to be a major sporting event.
Members of the Rivers State Liaison Committee have expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ impressive form, commitment, and competitive spirit, noting that the state is poised for an improved performance at the festival.
Rivers State Director of Sports, Mrs. Ibia Inyengiyikabo, confirmed that the athletes are well-prepared for the forthcoming Games.
Speaking after the athletics trials in Port Harcourt, she praised their energy, zeal, and determination to represent the state, adding that with consistent training, Rivers athletes are capable of winning medals.
The Niger Delta Games finals will take place in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, with over 3,000 athletes and 500 officials expected to participate in the sporting fiesta.
