Edo State to Parade 282 Athletes in 16 Sports at 2nd Niger Delta Games
Edo State will present a contingent of 282 athletes competing in 16 sports at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Benin from February 17 to 27.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, made the announcement at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium while officially declaring Team Edo’s camp open.
He explained that the state had concluded its trials and moved athletes into full residential camp, describing the move as a demonstration of Edo’s seriousness and commitment to sports development.
‘Edo State will be participating in 16 events with 282 athletes already in camp. As of today, I can assure you that Edo State, among the nine participating states, is the only state that has gone into full camping,’ Enabulele said.
He credited the arrangement and welfare of the athletes to the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whom he described as a sports-loving leader committed to the wellbeing of athletes.
‘This clearly shows that the state government is genuinely interested in the Games and in the development of our athletes,’ he added.
Enabulele charged the athletes to remain disciplined, dedicated and focused throughout the camping period, reminding them that they are ambassadors of the state both on and off the field.
He also commended the organisers of the Games, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparation and facilities on ground, noting that promises made were being fulfilled.
The Sports Commission boss disclosed that he had embarked on an inspection tour of designated facilities across Benin, including the Olympic-sized swimming pool, main bowl and tennis courts at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as well as basketball and volleyball courts along Wire Road and the Team Edo camp site. He said preparations were nearing completion and reaffirmed Edo’s dominance in grassroots sports development.
‘When it comes to grassroots sports development, no state in the country can compete with Edo State. Many of the athletes being celebrated today actually emerged from Edo State,’ he declared, attributing the success to quality coaching and structured developmental programmes.
Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Games will feature athletes from nine states in the region and aim to promote sports development, unity and youth engagement across the Niger Delta.
