Akwa Ibom, Ondo intensify preparations for 2nd Niger Delta Games

By Editor

Preparations for the 2nd Niger Delta Games are intensifying in most states as they count down to their respective final selection processes at the state finals.

From Cross River to Akwa Ibom, Imo, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Ondo, the registration process has moved to uploading completed forms to the Games registration portal.

Some state Liaison Committees are engaging their respective sports associations for technical assistance towards organising the state finals.

Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee, Elder Paul Bassey, who is also the Commissioner for Sports, expressed satisfaction with the concluded registration process.

“The uploading of forms and registration process has been seamless so far, with athletes and officials responding positively.

“This smooth coordination reflects the state’s early commitment to ensuring a strong and organised presence at the Games,” Bassey told NDG Media.

He also said that training activities are well underway, as athletes across various sports have begun intensive preparations ahead of the trials.

“The mood in camp is upbeat, with participants showing high levels of enthusiasm, focus, and competitiveness”, he concluded.

In Akure, the Ondo State NDG Liaison Committee met with key stakeholders to fine-tune preparations for the forthcoming Games.

The meeting, which was held on Tuesday at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, brought together representatives of the state sports council and those of the various associations.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Liaison Committee, Henry Omoyofunmi, said the engagement was designed to harmonise plans to ensure that the state has a good outing in Benin.

Omoyofunmi, who is also the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, noted that the Games would serve as a platform to discover and nurture young talents, promote unity, and strengthen grassroots sports development in the region.

Participants at the meeting expressed their commitment to the success of the Games, pledging cooperation in areas of mobilisation.

Reports from Cross River, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo indicate that Coaches and technical officials continue to monitor progress closely, fine-tuning programmes to bring out the best in their athletes ahead of the regional showpiece.

With the Niger Delta Games drawing closer, all the states appear firmly on course to make a strong impression in Benin. The blend of proper planning, athlete readiness, and positive energy points to highly competitive games as they look to showcase their sporting depth and talent on the Niger Delta stage.

The Games is scheduled to be held from February 20 to 27. Bayelsa emerged overall champions of the first edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in April 2025.