Niger Delta Games 2026: States Unite for Epic Sports Festival in Benin City
The Niger Delta is about to witness something truly spectacular! The second edition of the Niger Delta Games is gaining serious momentum, with Abia, Imo, and Delta states stepping up their game in preparation for what promises to be an epic celebration of African sporting excellence.
Set to light up Benin City, Edo State from February 20-27, 2026, this powerhouse event will showcase 17 different sports, proving once again that African talent knows no bounds.
Delta State Leading the Charge
Delta State is not playing around! The State Liaison Committee brought together coaches this week for a strategic working session that had everyone buzzing with excitement. Harrison Ocholor, Secretary of the Delta State Liaison Committee, delivered a powerful message to the coaches: only the absolute best athletes will emerge from transparent and competitive state trials.
"We're talking about excellence here," Ocholor emphasized, highlighting how organizers Dunamis Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have crafted a bulletproof talent selection process that follows every rule in the book.
Abia State Brings the Energy
The energy in Abia State is absolutely electric! The formal inauguration of their State Liaison Committee at Aba Sports Club was nothing short of inspiring. Commissioner for Sports Ananaba Nwaobilor couldn't contain his enthusiasm, describing the Games as a perfect match for Governor Alex Otti's vision of empowering young talent through sports.
"Abia State is an ardent believer in the objectives, rules and regulations of the Niger Delta Games," Nwaobilor declared. "Our aim is to provide access to sports in all communities, discover and groom young talents, and empower them to successful careers in sports."
The state is going all out with a powerhouse committee led by Nwaobilor himself, with Onyebuchi Chukwu as secretary, Director of Sports Obioma George, and SWAN interim chairman Kingsley Kanu bringing their expertise to the table.
Imo State Ready to Dominate
Imo State is bringing that championship mentality! Commissioner for Sports Obinna Onyeocha praised the NDDC and Dunamis Icon Limited for keeping this incredible platform alive for a second consecutive year. This is exactly what Governor Hope Uzodimma's administration envisioned for grassroots talent discovery.
"It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to go to the grassroots to discover talents, and these Games have come to help us achieve exactly that," Onyeocha stated with conviction.
The Imo State committee, chaired by Onyeocha with Willie Okolieogwo as secretary, is promising nothing but "quality, thoroughness, discipline and total compliance."
A Pan-African Sports Revolution
This is bigger than just games, this is about African excellence taking center stage! The Niger Delta Games represents everything we love about African sports: community spirit, raw talent, and the determination to showcase our abilities on our own terms.
Project Director Fred Edoreh made it crystal clear that there's zero tolerance for age cheating or incomplete team submissions. This is about integrity, authenticity, and giving our young athletes the platform they deserve.
With three states already firing on all cylinders and more expected to join the movement, the Niger Delta Games 2026 is shaping up to be the sporting event of the year. African talent is about to shine brighter than ever, and the world better take notice!