Spirit of Sportsmanship Takes Centre Stage as 2026 NDG Begins in Edo

Posted : 22 February 2026

The spotlight at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) in Benin City has not only been on medals and records, but on character, unity, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.

Inside the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, colour, culture, and competition blended seamlessly as the regional multi-sport fiesta roared to life in front of an electrified crowd. Delegations from the nine Niger Delta states marched proudly in their state colours, representing over 270 under-20 athletes and 60 officials each in what promises to be days of intense but friendly rivalry.

For Team Akwa Ibom, the message was clear: compete fiercely, but carry the state’s image with pride.

The State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs Rosemary Ubia, urged the contingent to uphold discipline, humility, and fairness throughout the tournament. According to her, true champions are defined not just by victories, but by how they handle both triumph and setbacks.

She commended the athletes for their orderly conduct en route to Edo and expressed appreciation to tournament organisers, Dunamis-Icon Limited, as well as sponsors, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for creating a platform capable of discovering the next generation of Nigerian sports heroes.

As competition gathered momentum on Day Two, Akwa Ibom athletes prepared to test their strength across multiple disciplines including volleyball, athletics, boxing, and chess at the main stadium. Events such as handball, table tennis, taekwondo, traditional wrestling, and para powerlifting are also underway, while basketball fixtures are being decided at the Wire Road facility.

Meanwhile, football fans were treated to an early classic as Team Imo and Team Bayelsa shared the spoils in a pulsating 2–2 draw.

Imo coach Ramson Madu described the encounter as a fair contest, praising both sides for their determination and quality. His Bayelsa counterpart, Okiki Mosampa, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the rigorous screening process that ensured only genuine talents featured in the competition.

The entertaining stalemate set the tone for what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive championship. Beyond the medals, the 2026 Niger Delta Games are once again reinforcing their reputation as a fertile ground for emerging stars — a celebration of youth, unity, and the boundless sporting potential of the region.

Spirit of Sportsmanship Takes Centre Stage as 2026 NDG Begins in Edo

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics