By Kehinde Osagiede
It promises to be a glamorous opening ceremony on Friday evening at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as organizers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon Ltd, and partners say they have perfected their plans for the second edition of the games. It is being held in Benin City from the 20th to the 27th of February, 2026.
The ceremony will feature a cultural showcase and special performances, as popular musical artists Patoranking, gospel singer Eben, and DJ Phyna have been confirmed to be on stage to spice up the occasion.
The opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games, nicknamed Edo 2026, is scheduled to begin at 5pm, with the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and other top government functionaries expected to grace the occasion. The management team of the Games, sponsors and organizers, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and Dunamis Icon Ltd are already in Benin for the big event. The management of the Edo State Sports Commission, led by Hon Amadin Enabulele, will also be on ground to begin the celebration of talent, culture, sporting brilliance, and youth development beyond oil, the region is known for.
On Thursday evening, the stage for the entertainment was already set as finishing touches were being put to already-made plans for a successful opening ceremony event.
State contingents and officials for the Games arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University Games camp for athletes and coaches. Delta and Bayelsa states were the early birds.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, expressed confidence and satisfaction with the efforts made so far and the effects.
“We have come far into the preparations, and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guard at such a crucial time,” Ikpokpo said.
Photo: Patoranking
Extrasportnigeria 
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