The city of Benin is gearing up to host the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled from February 20th to 27th. This multi-sport event, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will bring together over 3,000 athletes and officials from nine oil-producing states in the region.
The games will feature 17 sporting events, including popular disciplines such as football, basketball, and boxing, along with badminton and others. Beyond the athletic competitions, a cultural night will celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region.
Itiako Ikpokpo, chairman of Dunamis Icons Limited and the event’s organizer, emphasized the games’ focus on nurturing young talents. Speaking to sports journalists, Ikpokpo stated that participating athletes must be indigenous to the competing states and must be no older than 20 years of age. He stressed the importance of grassroots sports development, advocating for a renewed focus on school sports as the foundation for talent discovery.
Ikpokpo also addressed critical issues facing sports development in Nigeria. He decried the insufficient budgetary allocations for sports by state governments and highlighted weak administration as a barrier to the sector’s economic potential. He called for a higher-level dialogue on sports management and urged administrators to adopt more effective strategies.
Furthermore, Ikpokpo condemned age cheating in sports, describing it as a “shameful” practice that requires collective action to eradicate. He also made a case for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City to be considered as a venue for international football matches, asserting that it meets global standards comparable to the Uyo Stadium.
