The Rivers State Director of Sports, Mrs. Obia Inyengiyikabo, has declared that athletes from the state are fully prepared for the forthcoming 2nd Niger Delta Games.
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She made this known during the state trials held at the High Performance Centre, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Mrs. Inyengiyikabo commended athletes drawn from various local government areas across the state for their commitment, and talent displayed during the trials.
She said only the best athletes will be selected to represent Rivers State in the quest for medals at the Games.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer and Secretary of the Rivers State Sports Council, Mr. Emmanuel Jaja, outlined the eligibility criteria for athletes participating in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games.
He explained that, based on current rules, athletes must be indigenes of the state they intend to represent, adding that this requirement informed the decision to send coaches to various local governments to scout and select qualified athletes.
Some of the athletes expressed appreciation for the opportunity to compete at the state trials, describing it as a platform to showcase their talents. They pledged to work hard with their experienced coaches to secure medals for Rivers State.
This year’s edition of the Niger Delta Games will feature over 3,000 under-20 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states, competing in 17 sports, with the aim of discovering and developing regional talent.
The NDDC Games are scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, from 20 – 27 February, 2026.
