2026 host, Edo state will today join other NDDC states in preparation for the 2nd Niger Delta Games with athletes trials.
The trials are part of the state’s final preparations for the games, scheduled to take place in Benin from February 20 to 27, 2026.
The athletes trials slated for February 4-6, 2026 is aimed at selecting top performers for the games
The Edo athletes trials exercise, according to the secretary of Edo Liaison Committee for the Niger Delta Games Mr Idahosa Bright, is holding across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
” Edo is set for the final preparation for the Niger Delta Games and to host the rest states of the region. All 17 Sports associations participating in the games must complete the exercise on Friday as directed by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission,Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele who is incidentally the chairman of the state liaison committee.”
” Our chairman has also directed that all Edo Liaison Committee members and technical officials to do proper monitoring and supervision of the exercise to ensure that the best athletes are selected to represent the state at the games proper. ” Idahosa explained.
He revealed that the Edo State Sports Commission boss has approved two weeks close camping for athletes and coaches to ensure intensified training ahead of the games. “The close camping begins on Sunday and only the best athletes within the specified age bracket (U-20) will be selected to represent Edo”, Idahosa said.
The trials exercise which is expected to end on Friday, February 6,2026 will have athletics association who already started about two weeks ago, returned to the field and track of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium to complete their assignment.Other sports featuring include Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting,gymnastics and more.
The Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) and organized by Dunamis-Icon Limited, are scheduled to hold in Edo state from February 20 to 27, 2026 with all nine states of the region expected to participate.
Additional reports from Kehinde Osagiede
