AS preparations for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games enter an advanced stage across the region, Team Edo has commenced athletes’ trials as part of final preparations for the competition.
The trials, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, February 4 to Friday, February 6, 2026, are aimed at selecting athletes who will represent Edo State at the Games, slated for February 20 to 27, 2026, in Benin
Speaking on the exercise, the Secretary of the Edo State Liaison Committee for the Niger Delta Games, Mr Idahosa Bright, disclosed that the trials are taking place across the 18 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the exercise marks Edo State’s final phase of preparation, both as a participating state and as host of the regional sporting fiesta.
ALSO READ: Niger Delta Games can produce future talents — NDDC chairman
“Edo State is set for the final preparation for the Niger Delta Games and for hosting the other states in the region”, he said
All the 17 sports associations participating in the Games are expected to conclude their trials by Friday, as directed by the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, who also serves as Chairman of the State Liaison Committee.
Mr Idahosa added that the Chairman has further directed members of the Edo State Liaison Committee and technical officials to ensure effective monitoring and supervision of the trials to guarantee the selection of the best athletes to represent the state.
He also revealed that the Edo State Sports Commission has approved two weeks of closed camping for selected athletes and coaches to intensify preparations ahead of the Games.
“The close camping will commence on Sunday, and only the best athletes within the specified Under-20 age bracket will be selected to represent Edo State at the Games,” he stated.
The trials, expected to end on Friday, February 6, will see the Athletics Association, which commenced its trials about two weeks ago, return to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to conclude its selection process.
Other sports featured in the trials include tennis, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, and gymnastics, among others.
The Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited, will feature athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta region and are expected to further promote sports development and youth engagement across the region.
Some of the athletes during the Trials in Benin.
