Igali Commends NDDC, Dunamis; Decries Age Cheats at Niger Delta Games

Bayelsa State Sports Commissioner, Daniel Igali, has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its project consultants, Dunamis, for the successful organization and funding of the recently concluded Niger Delta Games.

The week-long event brought together over 3,000 athletes and officials from the nine Niger Delta states, competing across 16 sports disciplines.

Igali, an African, Commonwealth, World and Olympic Wrestling Champion, described the festival as a bold and strategic investment in youth sports development, noting that the funding model ensured no financial burden was placed on participating states.

He commended the improved organization and the vibrant atmosphere that characterized the competition.

However, Igali raised concerns over widespread malpractice, including age falsification and the recruitment of mercenary athletes from neighboring countries.

He stressed that such practices undermine the core objective of the Gams, which is to nurture genuine under-20 talents.

He called for the introduction of biometric verification and stronger federation-led screening, alongside firm sanctions.

According to him, fines must be heavy and disqualification should extend to entire teams where violations are established, in order to protect the integrity of the competition.

While Bayelsa State finished third overall, Igali expressed pride in the state’s athletes and handlers, emphasizing that they competed clean, respected all age regulations, and upheld the true spirit of the Games.

He urged all stakeholders to commit to fairness, insisting that with stronger safeguards, the Niger Delta Games can become a lasting benchmark for credible youth sports development in the region.