Categories: Nigerian Sports

Niger Delta Games: Patoranking, Eben, DJ Phyna set for opening ceremony

By Niyi Alebiosu

It promises to be a glamorous opening ceremony on Friday evening at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia stadium as organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon Ltd, and partners have perfected their plans for the commencement of the second edition of the games, holding in Benin City from 20th to 27th of February, 2026.

The ceremony will feature a cultural showcase and special performances, as popular musical artists Pato Ranking, gospel singer Eben and DJ Phyna have been confirmed to be on stage to spice up the occasion.

The opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games, ‘Edo 2026’ is scheduled to begin at 5 pm inside the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin as the Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa and other top government functionaries will be gracing the occasion just as the management team of the games sponsors and organizers Niger Delta Development Commission, Dunamis Icon Ltd are already in Benin for the big event.

ALSO READ: Draws hold as Niger Delta Games begin Friday

The management of the Edo State Sports Commission, led by Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele, will also be on ground to begin the celebration of talent, culture, sporting brilliance and youth development beyond the oil the region is known for.

On Thursday evening, the stage for the entertainment was already set as finishing touches were being put to already made plans for a successful opening ceremony of the 2nd Niger Delta Games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State.

The premises of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium already wore a new look with the branding, reflecting the colours of the nine states that make up the oil-rich region and their heroes.

State contingents and officials for the Games arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University Games camp for athletes and coaches.

Media professionals and Committee members have also arrived as accreditation followed. Delta and Bayelsa states were the early birds.

Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, expressed confidence and satisfaction with the efforts made so far and the effects.

“We have come far into the preparations, and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guards at sucha crucial time,” Ikpokpo told the media after the draws for the ball games.

The Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee, Edi Lawani, who was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays and choreography were being perfected, also assured that the ceremony would be grand.

“It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances”, Lawani, the country’s foremost entertainment impresario, disclosed.

“The opening ceremony will feature a lead performance by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben,” Lawani enthused.

Sporting Tribune

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