February 20, (THEWILL) — The 2nd Niger Delta Games, branded Edo 2026, officially opened on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, capital of Edo State, with the competition scheduled to run through February 27.
Organised under the Niger Delta Development Commission and managed by Dunamis-Icon Limited, the Games bring together more than 3,000 athletes and officials from nine Niger Delta states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, Abia, and Rivers. Competitors will contest 16 to 17 sports disciplines, including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling, with team draws for ball games conducted at the stadium media centre on Thursday ahead of the opening.
The grand opening ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium began at 5:00 PM, featuring live performances from Patoranking, gospel singer Eben, and DJ Phyna.
Edo State invested considerably in upgraded facilities, hostels, and competition venues ahead of the Games, with organisers declaring the state “98% ready.” The host contingent is fielding 282 athletes, aiming to convert home-ground familiarity into a strong medal performance. Project Director Fred Edoreh oversaw accreditation and logistics, while state delegations including Delta, Bayelsa, and Imo arrived at the athletes’ camp at Benson Idahosa University in the days prior.
Akwa Ibom, who topped the medal table at the inaugural edition in Uyo with nine gold medals, enters with a strong reputation to defend, while Rivers, Delta, and host Edo are among the states expected to mount serious challenges. Built around the vision of shifting the Niger Delta’s identity from oil dependence toward youth development and sporting excellence, the Games carry a deliberate intention to use athletic competition to foster regional unity and uncover grassroots talent.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
