Draws hold as Niger Delta Games begin Friday

By Idahosa Moses

Draws for the team events of the 2nd Niger Delta Games were held on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as organisers formally declared the Games open.

The draws covered football, handball and volleyball events in both the men’s and women’s categories.

However, the battle for medals will commence on Friday, with over 3,000 athletes and officials expected to participate in the Games.

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The multi-sport event will feature 17 sports, alongside a cultural night, all sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Chairman of Dunamis Icons Limited, organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Mr Itiako Ikpokpo, urged participants to strictly adhere to the rules of the Games and exhibit a high level of sportsmanship.

According to him, the Games effectively began on Thursday, with athletes and officials already arriving in Benin City.

“We have concluded the draws for the team events to signal the start of the race for medals.

“We are satisfied with the standard of the venues and are hopeful that world-class talents will be discovered at this event,” Ikpokpo said.

As of Thursday, Benin, the Edo State Capital, was already buzzing with activities, particularly around the main venue, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as athletes and officials moved in and out of the stadium.

At the time of filing this report, all nine participating states had arrived in the host city for the sporting fiesta.