2nd Niger Delta Games Set for Kickoff as States Arrive Benin

All athletes, officials, and functionaries of the 2nd Niger Delta Games are expected to arrive in Benin, Edo State, on Thursday, February 18, as preparations reach their final stage. Organizers have confirmed that the draws will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Media Centre.

Fred Edoreh, Project Director of the Games, explained that Benson Idahosa University (BIU) has been designated to host the contingents, with hostel facilities already prepared.

‘We are satisfied with the arrangements at BIU. The environment will give the athletes a comfortable experience and hopefully inspire strong performances,’ he said.

According to Enefiok Udo-Obong, Olympic 4X400m gold medallist and Chairman of the Technical Committee, the draws will focus on ball games. He emphasized that there will be no seeding, with all states rated equally.

Procedures for individual events will be finalized during a technical meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening at the stadium’s VIP box. The meeting was attended by technical heads of all 16 sports events.

Nine participating states will be pooled to determine fixtures, with four games scheduled for each gameday. Dunamis-Icon Limited, rights owners and organizers of the Games, are working in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as sponsors.

The opening ceremony is slated for Friday, February 20, with competitions running until February 27. Bayelsa State, winners of the inaugural edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom in 2025, will be looking to defend their crown.