The Liaison Committee of the host state, Edo, for the 2026 Niger Delta Games, has charged the coaches of the accredited 16 sports for the games to be thorough and sincere in mobilizing athletes that will represent the state as work begins in earnest.
The Secretary of the Edo State Liaison Committee,
Mr Idahosa Bright, who presided over the inaugural meeting on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, gave the charge on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
He told the coaches and other technical officers drawn from different sports associations in attendance that the Edo State Sports Commission boss has directed him to let them know that only athletes of Edo origin under 20 years of age be scouted and prepared for registration. According to him, Desmond Enabulele wants the best for the state.
“Our Chairman has directed us to go into the interior parts of our eighteen local government areas to discover raw talents, even if it is not possible for the raw talents to win gold for us but the opportunity be given to our indigenes. That’s what the Niger Delta Games is out to address.
“As we strategize on how to mobilize athletes as the state plans to start registration of athletes for the Niger Delta Games, we have to do what we know how to do best. Let’s work towards excellence. We can host and win, but it is not a do or die affair,” he said.
He urged the coaches and head of sports associations to be fair in their dealings with athletes and subordinates under them.
“The Chairman wants everybody to be happy. Be honest about your demands and allocation of resources for the preparation.”
Mr. Bright, who is the President, Nigeria Scrabble Federation, appealed to his colleagues to put behind whatever be the carryover grievances from the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games and promptly supply necessary information concerning their sports associations for prompt responses.
The second edition of the Niger Delta Games is scheduled to be staged in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026.
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