Delta State Athletes Begin Two-Phase Trials for 2nd Niger Delta Games

The trials for Delta State’s contingent to the 2nd Niger Delta Games attracted an impressive turnout of athletes in Asaba, the state capital.

This year’s edition of the Games, organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited for the nine states under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is scheduled to take place in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27.

At last year’s competition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Team Delta narrowly lost the overall title to Bayelsa State, who clinched victory with a decisive gold medal on the final day.

Determined not to repeat that outcome, Team Delta has restructured its preparations to ensure no detail is overlooked.

Due to the overwhelming number of athletes who turned up, officials split the trials into two phases. The first phase will run from February 6 to 8, while the final phase will take place from February 9 to 11.

According to the Chairman of the Delta Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborievwori, the athletes will move into full camping on February 12. A total of 374 athletes and 51 officials are expected to participate in the trials, with camping spread across various locations in Asaba before departure to Benin City on February 19.

Commending the Commission’s efforts, Festus Ohwojero, Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Sports and former Director General of the Delta Sports Commission, praised the leadership for prioritising athlete welfare. He expressed confidence that Team Delta will reclaim the top spot on the medals table when the Games conclude on February 27.

The trials will feature a wide range of sports, including athletics, chess, table tennis, tennis, scrabble, handball, wrestling, football, volleyball, swimming, taekwondo, powerlifting, basketball, boxing, and weightlifting. Altogether, more than 3,000 athletes and 500 officials from across the Niger Delta region will compete in this year’s Games.